The atrium has been transformed into a two storey-high space, which helps to create an open plan, and allows natural light to fill the whole building. One of the roof trusses was removed and replaced with a metal structure, creating an opening for a skylight over the entrance. The ground floor is intended for public activities with a flexible but modular, clear open space.
The architects' extensive use of wood was "essential to emphasise the contrast between old and new," states Diogo Varela de Ugarte. Above the entrance's open space, the first floor harbours office spaces for the Foundation's senior management team, with a private area for meetings. Here, doors, wall panelling and the flooring throughout are made of wood.
Architects: Diego Varela de Ugarte and Emilio Medina García, MVN Arquitectos
Client: Fundación Botín
Collaborators: Alfonso García del Rey, Laura Sánchez, María Pascual and Alicia Castilla, arquitects
Technical Architect: María Lamela Martín
Interior design consultant: Juan Luis Líbano
Consultants: Ingenor (Structural and service engineering), Luis Vallejo Estudio de Paisajismo (Landscape designer)
Project Manager: Santander Global Facilities
Contractor: Ferrovial
Wooden joinery: Moinsa (Ground, floor, ceiling), Parquets Román S.L. (Flooring), Teisa (Doors and wall panels)
Final completion date: 2012
Construction period: 8 months
Gross floor area: 1,541,95 square metres
Cost: 1,784,000€
A prize for architecture between lights and volumes: LFA Award
An international photography competition that invites photographers worldwide to capture the essence of contemporary architecture. Inspired by the work of the famous Portuguese photographer Luis Ferreira Alves, the award seeks images that explore the dialogue between man and space.