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Architects: Espaciopapel
- Year: 2015
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Photographs:Elena Almagro
Text description provided by the architects. A prism shaped structure stands on the remaining grounds of an old corrala* from the 1950s. The space is composed of two blocks that run the length of the plot, which allows all homes to have no less than two outer façades and cross-ventilation.
Between blocks there is a wide courtyard, crossed by three translucent elevated walkways that can be used to access the homes at the northern end.
The courtyard is a large metallic open space that runs along the building. The kitchens and bathrooms which open on to the courtyard, benefit from the brightness of the space, enhanced by the metallic materials on the walls.
The 7-story building opens up to the street below through large windows and balconies that bring back the neighbourhood feel of the original corralas*. The random configuration and shadows from the balconies creates a ‘play’ on the white facades.
The three main entrances connect San Timoteo Street with the green area planned to the North side and bridge the two meter slope crossing the patio. Two large community rooms occupy the semi underground space of the northern block.
The walls of the ground floor are covered with hydraulic cement tiles, giving continuity to the pavement of the surroundings of the building. The two upper storeys, which are recessed only in the southern façade, are coated with white metal sheeting, consequently the volume created is highlighted in the northern façade.
The houses are distributed according to a clear diagram: service spaces (lobby, bathrooms and kitchens) are located towards the courtyard and connected to the technical walls.
The living room and bedrooms open onto the exterior facades through large windows and balconies, giving the feel of the old neighbourhood life of the corralas*, which is still present in the surrounding buildings.
*corrala is a traditional and characteristic type of the old Madrid housing (17th, 18th and 19th centuries), designed as a general house corridor, built in wooden frame, open to a courtyard. This corridor gave access to small family dwellings (20-30m2), shared bathrooms (1 or 2 on each floor) and the stairs.
