The project is an example of architectural recycling where an old construction is refurbished and expanded to create a mixed building, Administrative Use and Seniors’ Centre. The structure and history of the building were respected while permeating it with a new spirit to meet the contemporary needs required by our society.
The old construction was located next to La Nucía’s Youth Centre. A new square was also created where visitors to both centres can participate in outdoor activities and interact with the rest of the neighbours.
‘The patio is an articulated element of the building around which the rooms were created, organised hierarchically by height and by levels of light and privacy. The old structure was broken, taken apart but comes into play, responding to a shift in the status quo, and is not longer a spectator but the protagonist.’
‘our proposal involves and protects the best of the space. The olive tree of the former courtyard appeared as an element that generated the whole. We bent over backwards and made every effort to protect ourselves from the outside world. But at the same time we invite the curious passerby to enter the complex through winks and nods and green patios that surround and attract the restless passerby, taking him from the central courtyard to upper levels from where he can contemplate the sea that appears on the horizon.’
The courtyard, then, is the articulating element. It’s an open courtyard with large windows overlooking it that make the building transparent for the passerby from the exterior and provides natural light for the interior. Finally, a distinguishing feature of the building is the use of hexagonal ceramic pieces in various tones of terracotta on the roof as well as on the information desk which makes it stand out from its surroundings.
