Meeting bar - Plaza Castilla Madrid

contemporary, La Ventilla, Tetuán

After years and years of living and working out of our Studio Banana office, located in the Tetuán neighborhood of Madrid, we had the chance to work on a project in the area through a private client. We are very familiar with the area: its personality, its calm atmosphere, its central location, the presence of numerous art studios, etc. Despite the changes that have taken place in recent years, the personality of the neighborhood has remained the same in the eyes of its inhabitants. Tetuán has been affected by many phenomena which have also occurred in other cities in recent years, such as: - immigration - urban progress - gentrification - urban palimpsests - dehumanization of public structures - ageing of the population Tetuán is a district of architectural contrasts. Between 1917 and 1926, this area was known for its 'economic' houses, which are still in the memory of the neighborhood's inhabitants. What if we "contemporized" the traditions of Tetuán by building a social space? What if we succeeded in building a bar in which the atmosphere of contentment of the people who pass through a street in Tetuán in the summer? Then we could talk about an "economic house" with a social purpose.

CONSTRUCTION > Building quickly, economically and responsibly

The structure has a public space on the ground floor that opens onto the street and allows it to be integrated into the life of the street, in the middle of the bustling Plaza Castilla. The light, vaulted structure, the set of interior finishes and the construction of the facade with the integration of the 57889+++++ lighting system highlight the desire to achieve a responsible, fast and economical construction technology system, made of prefabricated components. The roof and facade are constructed using the same lightweight construction system, which brings significant economic benefits and eliminates heating problems. The resulting bulk is mitigated by the use of only two materials. The facade is treated with white mortar and is made of water-repellent materials on the outside and ash wood panels on the inside. We tried to identify the best solution taking into account the site, the program and the client's requirements. The entrance is made through a kind of metal box that records this action. The kiosk has a lifespan of about 20 years, after which it can be recycled and/or reused for another public space.

Meeting point Plaza Castilla, Madrid

Architects: Alberto García, Ramiro Losada (LG Architects)

Collaborators: José Jiménez, Álvaro Carrillo

Photographer: Alfonso Herranz

Sit: Plaza Castilla, Madrid

Date: 2013

Surface area: 105 m2

Budget: 65.500 €

Owner: Private

house", La Ventilla, Tetuán

After years living and working in our office, in the neighborhood of Tetuán, Madrid, in the co-working space Studio Banana, we had the opportunity to work on a project in the area through a private client. We knew the neighborhood perfectly: its character, the calm atmosphere, centrality, presence of art workshops, etc. Despite changes in recent years, the character of the neighborhood remains for its residents. Tetuán has been impacted by many of the changes that other cities have in recent years such as: - Immigration - Urban progress - Gentrification - Urban palimpsests - Dehumanization public structures - Aging population Tetuán is a district with a lot of architectural contrast. Between 1917 and 1926 this area was known for the "economical house". These homes there are still in the memory in the neighborhood. If we contemporize the traditions in Tetuán by building a space for social use? What if we transport to the bar the happiness of the group of people that use the Tetuán Street in summer? We could build a "economical houses" with social use.

CONSTRUCTION > Build fast, economically and responsibly

This volume has the public space in the ground floor, with the possibility to open up and be part of the street, diluted between the circulation of the square Plaza Castilla. The light structure bolted, the set of interior finishes and the construction of the facade through light facade systems, manifest the spirit to reach a constructive system responsible, fast, economic, tech: prefabrication. The roof and facade are built with the same lightweight construction system, creating big economic advantages while eliminating any thermal problem. The resulting volume minimizes its presence through the use of only two materials. The facade is treated with white mortar, waterproof outside and ash panelling wood inside. We were looking for the best solution for the place, the program and the client. A metal box allows entry remarking such action. The Kiosk will last for 20 years, after which it may be recycled and/or reused for another public space.

Meeting bar Plaza Castilla, Madrid

Architects: Alberto García, Ramiro Losada ( LG Architects)

Collaborators: José Jiménez, Álvaro Carrillo

Photographer: Alfonso Herranz

Place: Plaza Castilla, Madrid

Date: 2013

Surface: 105^m2

Budget: 65.500 €

Owner: Private