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Foundations and structural design of the Torre Rise Supertall Tower: Construction progress in images

*Construction progress of Torre Rise in Monterrey as the tower approaches its planned 484-metre height. Source: Dezeen*

Construction of the Torre Rise skyscraper in Monterrey has reached a major milestone, with the structure rising to approximately 300 metres as it advances toward its planned final height of 484 metres. Once completed, the tower will become the tallest building in Mexico and the tallest skyscraper in Latin America, ranking among the tallest structures globally.

Situated next to the 305-metre Torres Obispado tower, which currently holds the regional height record, Torre Rise will significantly reshape the city’s skyline. The project has evolved considerably since its initial concept seven years ago. Early plans proposed a 350-metre tower, but continued design development and structural optimization allowed the height to increase by approximately 38 percent to its current 484-metre target. When finished, the tower will stand as the second tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, surpassed only by One World Trade Center in New York.

Building the 484-Metre Torre Rise skyscraper in Monterrey. Source: Dezeen

The structural foundation of Torre Rise reflects the scale of loads associated with a supertall tower. The building is supported by forty deep piles driven approximately 15 metres into the ground, providing the primary load transfer to the subsurface strata. These piles are integrated with a massive reinforced concrete raft foundation measuring about three metres in thickness, which distributes the vertical loads and stabilizes the structure against differential settlement.

Unlike many supertall buildings, Torre Rise does not incorporate a tuned mass damper system. These systems are commonly installed in towers exceeding 400 metres to mitigate wind-induced oscillations and seismic vibrations. Instead, the tower’s stability is achieved through structural design optimization and stiffness within the primary structural frame.

The skyscraper adopts a rectilinear form with a reinforced structural core and perimeter framing system that collectively resist lateral loads. Monterrey lies within a region where seismic activity and wind loads must both be considered during structural design. The tower’s mass distribution and structural rigidity therefore play a significant role in maintaining occupant comfort and structural safety at extreme heights.

The building envelope consists of a unitized aluminium-and-glass curtain wall system. Approximately 95 percent of the glazing panels were standardized to a single dimension. This high level of dimensional consistency simplifies fabrication, reduces material waste, and improves installation efficiency during construction.

The façade concept references mid-20th century skyscraper architecture while incorporating contemporary curtain wall technology. Renderings initially suggested a heavier metallic aesthetic inspired by historic towers such as Torre Latinoamericana in Mexico City. However, current construction progress indicates a more glass-dominant exterior.

Beyond its structural and architectural scale, Torre Rise is designed as a mixed-use vertical complex. The 99-storey tower will include residential units, offices, retail spaces, and hospitality facilities integrated within a single structure. A podium-level mid-rise connection will link the tower to adjacent buildings and will include a rooftop park intended to provide public open space within the dense urban core.

At the top of the tower, an observation deck is planned to provide panoramic views of Monterrey and the surrounding mountainous terrain. Such observation facilities are common in major skyscrapers and are often designed as key tourism attractions.