On the outside the building has a clear vision thanks to a new layer on the facade, a corrugated aluminum skin that draws attention in its industrial context. This ventilated housing is equipped with a system of adjustable perforated blinds that can be folded. On the inside "THE BOX", a massive core made of OSB boards, accommodates the servant spaces.
Description of project by Arenas Basabe Palacios architects
The project entails the refurbishment of a 940 m² warehouse located in Móstoles (Madrid) and its conversion into a building that provides spaces for a cultural association and sporting activities for young students.
The scheme aims to preserve the existing structure and the industrial character of the building, whilst introducing two new components which serve as a element of reference for the user, both internally and externally. On the outside a new layer is added to the facade, a corrugated aluminum skin which draws attention and intensifies the presence of the building within its industrial context.This ventilated shell is fitted with a system of adjustable perforated window shutters that can be folded to display either an open or closed character.
On the inside THE BOX, a massive core made of OSB boards, accommodates the servant spaces: circulation, foyer, toilets, storage and MEP services. This structure spans four storeys and becomes a unifying element that gives access and weaves the varied uses of the program together: indoor playing court, assembly hall, chapel, classrooms, meeting room, offices, etc.
The use of clean lines and neutral-toned materials give these spaces a homogeneous appearance. The mostly white palette of translucent, transparent and opaque walls and grey continuous polished-concrete floors contrast with the forcefulness of the engineered lumber boards which clads the internal core.
A double height space acts as both meeting place between users and playground for spontaneous games.
The presence of THE BOX is specially prominent here, granting the building a recognizable identity, deeply associated to its new cultural use.
