Due to the budget, it was decided to use as few materials as possible and create a simple, open-plan space in which the main focus would be on the activities carried out by the users. The palette of materials used is welded concrete, recalling the industrial past of the place, fir wood to provide warmth, glass to let in light, and the green of the plants that generate the space's personality.
Invernadero by F5 Proyectos y Arquitectura. Photograph by Luis Díaz Díaz.
Invernadero by F5 Proyectos y Arquitectura. Photograph by Luis Díaz Díaz.
Project description by F5 Proyectos y Arquitectura
Our world today is undeniably digital; information access, the speed of transformation, besides people & processes synergy, have a deep impact on traditional workspaces. That’s why we deeply believe that integrated and collaborative, as well as horizontal and cross-generational, formulas are necessary. Those will ease work environment experiences.
From ancient times -more precisely Tiberius’ reign- greenhouses carry out, as architectural spaces, wishes of innovation and investigation in the production process. Their large glass & metal vaulted structures opened up to crowd as amusement and meeting points in the nineteenth century.
Both concepts came together at an abandoned car garage in Oviedo city center. That was the chance to imagine a new frame for our occupation, architecture. Jointly with field, diverse professionals and citizen initiatives make possible a dynamic and sustainable habitat, where socio-cultural and work interrelationships become true.
We splitted up the floor in three; first one, closer to the street, designed as meeting rooms and workplaces. The second one, with toilettes and a little kitchen at the core, offers an open space where an exhibition can take place while having a coffee just beside. And the last one, just under the vault -where the old car garage used to be- light and time create a suitable reading space, the perfect spot to be lost in thought. An ideal flexible working room. Working tables are spread around, together with a recording studio and a library placed on a loft on the back. This one works as well as rest room or an iconic setting to play music.
In addition to the budget, we bound ourselves to use as less materials as possible. It should be a warm and cozy environment, while users and activity playing the leading role. The palette came down to five. Concrete on the floor, a memory of the former car garage. Fir wood on partitions and furniture, a pleasant feel surface. Glass as a connection & transparency strategy and finally, light and green -from natural plants- give identity and become an energy source.
Eagerness is the result, biggest engine -of human and economical activity- that we can feed.
