The Space
Conceived by Adriana Siso, and completed in 2010, the Molecule Design building became the first ISO Shipping Container commercial structure in Santa Fe, New Mexico, to house a contemporary design store. Located at 1226 Flagman Way in the evolving Baca Railyard District, the project reflected an early interest in adaptive reuse, sustainability, industrial materials, and a contemporary sensibility within the Santa Fe landscape.
Originally founded in 2002, Molecule Design had already become known for bringing innovative industrial design products and contemporary furnishings to Santa Fe through partnerships with some of the world’s most original contemporary design firms. The new container building became a physical extension of that spirit — experimental, contemporary, functional, and community-oriented.
From conception to completion, Adriana worked on the idea for several years, spending countless hours researching shipping containers, transportation logistics, construction methods, material systems, and possibilities for both commercial and residential applications. At the time, container architecture was still relatively uncommon, especially in Santa Fe.
Early renderings were presented to the Santa Fe Railyard District and were immediately well received, though later refined to align with the district’s architectural and urban planning guidelines focused on simple massing for retail spaces.
While exploring prefab and alternative building methods, Adriana connected with Santa Fe architect Gerald Chavez. The collaboration quickly evolved into an intense creative exchange of ideas, experimentation, and problem-solving around how shipping containers could become an innovative contemporary commercial environment.
Many ideas were explored during the process — from suspended showroom platforms over gravel to unconventional circulation concepts — before returning to the essential simplicity and strength of the container structure itself. Gerald Chavez helped translate Adriana’s original “Lego-block” concept into construction-ready plans and permitting documentation.
Construction was led by Jim Borrego of Borrego Construction, whose hands-on approach and enthusiasm became instrumental throughout the process. The project ultimately came to life through the collaboration of architects, engineers, builders, fabricators, crane operators, and the larger Santa Fe creative community.
Building Features
- Constructed from 11 recycled High-Cube 40-foot ISO freight containers
- Spray-foam insulation between the container walls and Galvalume sheeting
- Frosted polycarbonate panels used for daylighting and atrium luminosity
- Energy-efficient heating and cooling systems
- LED lighting systems throughout
- Water catchment system for landscape irrigation
- Zero wood used in construction
- Re-purposed container wall cutouts used as building skirts
- Two-story structure connected by stairs and a small commercial elevator
- Concrete pier and slab foundation system
- Structural and foundation engineering overseen locally in Santa Fe
Over the following decade, the Molecule building became a recognizable contemporary landmark in Santa Fe. Visitors came not only to experience the unusual architecture, but also to discover contemporary industrial design products, attend art and design events, and engage with a growing creative dialogue around design, architecture, sustainability, and innovation.
Through the Molecule space, Adriana also collaborated with and supported New Mexico contemporary artists, designers, and fabricators through exhibitions, pop-up environments, product launches, and community-centered events that blurred the lines between art, design, and everyday life.
Sustainability remains an ongoing area of interest and exploration for Molecule Design through environmentally conscious product lines, contemporary outdoor systems, innovative growing technologies, and evolving approaches to healthier and more intentional living.
The Next Chapter ~
The Flagman Way building was sold in June 2022. Today, Molecule Design continues to evolve
through its online presence, sourcing and procurement work, staging projects, and ongoing collaborations with contemporary manufacturers, artists, designers, and creative communities.
The spirit of Molecule — experimentation, contemporary design, sustainability, and dialogue — continues.
Grateful ~
Construction — Borrego Construction
Architecture Planning & Permitting — Gerald Chavez Architect
Engineering — Bill Druc
Lamoreux Crane Services, Inc.
Pat Maloy — Maloy Mobile Storage
The Santa Fe Railyard Community Corporation
The Art & Design Community of Santa Fe
Santa Fe, New Mexico
And all of our loyal customers and supporters through the years.
Adriana Siso