The gmp design will serve to renovate and expand the existing building, whose facilities need more space and are in poor condition. Some works will allow going from the current surface of about 5,000 square meters to a total of about 13,000. The special requirements stipulated in the competition rules included sustainable and efficient construction in the use of resources. To this end, a low-tech strategy had to be developed that prioritized durable, low-maintenance solutions over more high-tech technologies.
The expansion proposal put forward by gmp connects with the existing facility to the north of the site. In terms of urban projects, this arrangement offers a dialogue solution, since the architects have proposed a new building similar to the current one in its general volume and, with an L-shaped position, which also closes the site to the west and to the urban highway. With this, the adjoining residential buildings form part of the newly created inner courtyard, and effective acoustic shielding is achieved that prevents the noise of the urban highway and the train track.
In line with the proposed low-tech strategy, the organization of functions within the building makes ideal use of the different climatic and acoustic zones created.
Longitudinal section. Rendering by gmp Architects.
The expansion proposal put forward by gmp connects with the existing facility to the north of the site. In terms of urban projects, this arrangement offers a dialogue solution, since the architects have proposed a new building similar to the current one in its general volume and, with an L-shaped position, which also closes the site to the west and to the urban highway. With this, the adjoining residential buildings form part of the newly created inner courtyard, and effective acoustic shielding is achieved that prevents the noise of the urban highway and the train track.
In line with the proposed low-tech strategy, the organization of functions within the building makes ideal use of the different climatic and acoustic zones created.
Longitudinal section. Rendering by gmp Architects.
The new building consists of a combination of monolithic insulating concrete walls with a floor/ceiling construction that is a modern and economical interpretation of the existing building's vaulted ceilings. Natural background ventilation is provided without mechanical bracing, using ground heat exchangers and rooftop solar chimneys, optimally reducing the energy requirement. Mechanical devices to promote natural air exchange are only needed in some areas with special requirements.
The facade is constructed using ultra-lightweight concrete panels – moulded and cured material is used to create a new building sculpture.
