REMODELLING OF CALLE HUERTAS 13 BUILDING, MADRID.
Ideas Contest.
2007. MADRID

ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPT.

This magnificent baroque building retains, on its main floor and formal staircase, some of the most beautiful ornamentation of the 19th century.

Initially designed as a stately home in the first third of the 17th century, and gradually transformed into a palatial home in the 18th and 19th centuries, it was later reformed and used throughout the 20th century as the headquarters of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Madrid.  

The building does not comply with modern standards in essential aspects such as accessibility and the suppression of architectural barriers, means of emergency evacuation, and adequate installations.  It is no longer efficient, comfortable or safe, nor does it offer conditions for the efficient performance of programmed activities to the legal standards. 

The first aim of our project is to discover the beauty of this baroque building and its splendid 19th century neo-baroque ornamentation.  This is a historic monument, which must be preserved with historic veracity and adorned in full detail.  Let it be a point of reference in the business and cultural fabric of Madrid. 

Secondly, we propose a new interpretation of the original aesthetic idea of the architect, Domingo Inza, for the enclosed gallery on the third floor, a symbol of modernity, converting it into a multi-functional space for meetings and events, thus reinforcing the monumental relevance of the building through the sincerity of contrast. 

Thirdly, we propose to convert the central patio into a comfortable space and structuring agora of the new functional distribution of the building.  A light glass cupola, equipped with lateral openings, protects the central space from weather.  Glass and steel, the sincere levity of our modern day that contrasts with and heightens previous architectures.  We will recover the second patio as a source of light and ventilation for the new covered staircase that replaces the obsolete service staircase, located at the back of calle Huertas.   

Fourth, we will recover the space of the cupola located under the vestibule of the central patio and convert it into an access and control area for the Library, using vaulted hallways to communicate it with the rest of the floor.  We also propose to recover the vaulted galleries, reconditioning them and providing adequate access.

Lastly, we aim to rescue the building from ostracism, creating a pole of attention, a reference in the city, a building that is versatile and comfortable, efficient and seductive.
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