The new project by the Ortiz Leon Arquitectos studio stands out for its wavy glass skin, which creates a harmonious dialogue with the new green spaces outside, which are one of the most important interventions in the project, connecting the interior and exterior of the building.
Another of the highlights of the rehabilitation is the triple-height central atrium, which becomes the heart of the building, generating both a physical and visual connection between the floors. The atrium is complemented by a series of glass walkways, along with the main elevators, which provide lightness and sophistication to the structure.
Recycled and sustainable materials have been used in construction, such as Balsaín pine wood from Segovia, which covers the noble areas of the building, providing warmth in contrast to the use of aluminum in the curtain wall. Another distinctive material of the project is the use of ATI Laminates, thin metal sheets decorated with digital prints.
KOI Building by Ortiz Leon Arquitectos. Photograph by David Frutos.
Project description by Ortiz Leon Arquitectos
The rehabilitation of the KOI building represents an ambitious urban transformation project that responds to the challenges of the 21st century, recovering a property built in 1968. The intervention has completely redesigned the space, replacing obsolescence with a contemporary design where light, nature and technology are the key elements. This transformation has been guided by sustainability criteria, seeking to obtain LEED Platinum and WELL Platinum certifications, ensuring the highest standards of well-being and energy efficiency.
The building, located in the heart of Madrid's financial district, stands out for its undulating glass skin, which softens the corners and generates a harmonious dialogue with the exterior green spaces. These fluid and organic forms emphasize the integration of nature throughout, a concept that permeates the design and connects the interior and exterior of the building in a symbiotic way. This symbiosis is reinforced by the wooden profiles on the façade, which provides warmth and aesthetic balance.
The central atrium is the heart of the KOI, a triple-height space conceived as a hub for interaction between occupants. This void generates a visual and physical connection between the floors, and is enhanced by the glass walkways and sculptural elevators, which give lightness and sophistication to the structure. This design has been a structural challenge, but the result is an environment that breathes dynamism, serenity and life.
One of the most notable aspects of this rehabilitation is the incorporation of green spaces and gardens. With 3,254 m² of terraces and 290 m² of green areas, KOI becomes an oasis in the center of Madrid. The garden terraces and outdoor areas provide living spaces that invite pause and reflection, being a gift for the neighboring buildings and for the city as a whole.
Furthermore, the KOI concept is based on the harmony between opposites, and seeks to offer a workspace where creativity and inspiration flow. The four open floors, designed with 500 m² modules, encourage networking and adapt to new ways of working. The flexible, open design creates an environment that enriches interactions and encourages innovation. The choice of noble and designer materials translates into a unique sensory experience that enhances the well-being of the occupants.
From a technical and environmental perspective, KOI has been conceived as an energy efficient building, with A energy certification in consumption and emissions. In addition, recycled and sustainable materials have been used, such as Balsaín pine wood from Segovia, the choice of which allows us to reduce the carbon footprint by 70% compared to the use of aluminum. This resource optimization strategy is also reflected in waste management, achieving a utilization of more than 70% throughout the construction process.
The building incorporates renewable energy through the installation of solar panels on the roof, and uses efficient irrigation systems that combine rainwater collection with drip irrigation. Native vegetation contributes to energy efficiency and mitigation of the heat island effect, while requiring low water consumption.
The focus on the health and well-being of users is manifested in the incorporation of circadian lighting, which replicates natural light cycles to promote biorhythm, and in indoor air quality, guaranteed through low-emission materials and advanced ventilation systems. purification. The building's full accessibility, electric vehicle parking spaces and clean transportation facilities underline KOI's commitment to a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.
In the rehabilitation of the KOI building, a balance between tradition and sustainability has been achieved through the use of carefully selected materials. Balsaín pine wood, native to the forests of Segovia, covers the public areas of the building, such as lobbies and common areas, providing a warmth and naturalness that contrasts with the traditional use of aluminium in the curtain wall. This choice has made it possible to reduce the carbon footprint by 70%, aligning with the principles of sustainable construction.
In addition,the project includes willow pergolas designed by Pont de Queros, featuring a lightweight structure and delicate design that seamlessly integrate the natural environment into the architecture. On the other hand, in the interior floors, Argos marble stands out in halls and staircases, providing a touch of sophistication, while in the outdoor areas, a Portuguese limestone has been chosen, resistant and with a warm tone, perfect for connecting indoor and outdoor spaces.
A distinctive element of the project is the use of ATI Laminates, an innovative material composed of thin metal sheets decorated with digital prints that create unique patterns. The Funky Cold Patina collection, with its aged finish, brings a contemporary and unexpected character, playing with textures and reflections that visually transform spaces.
This careful selection of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and detailed design, where each architectural element has been designed to dialogue harmoniously with the environment and the essence of the project.
In conclusion, KOI is a benchmark for urban regeneration, which harmoniously combines technology, nature and human well-being. The building embodies a perfect balance between sustainability and design, offering spaces adapted to contemporary challenges, where flexibility and connection with nature enhance the well-being and creativity of those who inhabit it.
