BOX IN THE BOX
Renovation of a former industrial warehouse into a cultural association
Móstoles, Madrid, 2017
Realized work
The refurbishment of a 940 m2 warehouse located in Móstoles (Madrid) and its conversion into a building that provides spaces for a cultural association and sporting activities for young students.
The scheme aims to preserve the existing structure and the industrial character of the building, whilst introducing two new components which serve as a element of reference for the user, both internally and externally.
On the outside a new layer is added to the facade, a corrugated aluminum skin which draws attention and intensifies the presence of the building within its industrial context.This ventilated shell is fitted with a system of adjustable perforated window shutters that can be folded to display either an open or closed character.
On the inside THE BOX, a massive core made of OSB boards, accommodates the servant spaces: circulation, foyer, toilets, storage and MEP services. This structure spans four storeys and becomes a unifying element that gives access and weaves the varied uses of the program together: indoor playing court, assembly hall, chapel, classrooms, meeting room, offices, etc.
The use of clean lines and neutral-toned materials gives a homogeneous appearance to these spaces. The mostly white palette of translucent, transparent and opaque walls and grey continuous polished-concrete floors contrasts with the forcefulness of the engineered lumber boards which clad the internal core.
A double height space acts as both meeting place between users and playground for spontaneous games. The presence of THE BOX is specially prominent here, granting the building a recognizable identity, deeply associated to its new cultural use.
