Lola Moral Mata and Miguel Velasco Serrano architects have been responsible for the design of the new headquarters of Silos Córdoba, consisting of two volumes: the first with 10,000 sqm, comprising the most logistics activities, and the second one that concentrates all offices in a cylindrical, which remispace from outside reminding so obvious to grain storage silos, and inside is built around a void defined by light entering the building.
Project's description by Lola Moral Mata and Miguel Velasco Serrano.
The new Administration and Production Headquarters of Silos Córdoba is nestled in the foothills of Sierra Morena, in the Rabanales 21 science and technology park in Córdoba.
It is located in a strategic plot of 30,000 sqm, bounded by the AVE railroad and freight trains tracks, which will allow in the future to receipt raw materials and finished product shipment by rail. It also has a direct connection to the center of Cordoba, thanks to a stopping commuter train that is about 500 m, and the bike path that connects the park with the city.
The ensemble is conceived as a network of gardens, rest areas, car parks and bike which links the manufacturing area of 10,000 sqm with the office area of 1,400 sqm.
The administrative area is located in a free volume with the appearance of a silo representing the company's corporate image, conceiving the metal silo as an architectural element. The symbolic value that will identify the company and will acquire a dominant value, compared to other buildings that make up the technology park.
Outwardly the building is perceived as a volume of cylindrical body finished in conical shape, with a continuous, closed and homogeneous Antra zinc facade, perforated and corrugated with the proper aspect of a grain storage silo.
Austere in appearance, it has a warmer image inside, where light, spatiality and inner transparency dialogue with the metal shell.
The few materials used in the interior enhance these qualities, trying to use a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. White walls - the color that best receives sunlight - transparent partitions so that the input light is a participant in every corner and allow a spatial continuity both horizontally and vertically around the set.
The nobility of wood, evident in certain elements, softens the coldness and global industriality that characterize the building by steel plates with different treatments and colors.
The ground floor is raised above ground level, which is accessed through a curved shape ramp that allows a gradual approach to building, expanding into a double-height exhibition space.
The central vacuum becomes the heart of the project, acting not only as a space character, but as thermal center of the building, allowing the ventilation cycles natural control, in addition to articulate all plants that comprise it.
Thanks to the central oculus the natural light that comes through the skylight is in charge of defining each space, culminating in the basement floor in a soft zone of natural materials, water and vegetation that can blur the boundary between exterior and interior.
