The Foundation Botín has recently opened new offices in Madrid based in a building of the ‘20th as a silversmith workshop, after a stunning renovation project by MVN Arquitectos.
Project Architects Diego Varela de Ugarte and Emilio Medina García were inspired by the building’s historic references which led to their design attempts to retain the spirit of the original industrial character. Exposure of the original steel and brickwork depicts the buildings’ past life and effectively contrasts with the new construction work whose finishes are mainly oak, steel and glass.
A key objective was to create an open plan, warm space allowing natural light to fill the whole building. The biggest structural change to the building and one of the most attractive features of the development is a two-storey high atrium for the main lobby. One of the roof trusses was removed and replaced with a metal structure, creating an opening for the skylight over the atrium area. The ceiling is made up of longitudinal solid slats of American red oak (AHEC) and acoustic absorbent felt. The first floor is office space for the senior management team of the Foundation with a private area for meetings.
Diego Varela says “the use of oak has been essential to emphasise the contrast between old and new, and the wood looks great next to the worn brickwork.” He adds, “After looking at several species options, we chose oak because it combines the warm tone and hardwearing characteristics we were looking for in this unique project.” All of the oak in the building has been treated with colourless oil to show the grain of the timber without altering its natural tone.
Photo by Alfonso Quiroga. (Courtesy Fundación Botín).
