Institutional Buildings

This unusual request made us go beyond our comfort zone and explore design alternatives to incorporate a small new building with two expanded underground levels, to be built in an area of ​​strong historical context and archaeological value.

We went through the design process together with our client, who requested a building that would stand the test of time and last for years to come, aging gracefully with the minimum possible maintenance. Classic but minimalist, we used white concrete to build the vault that encloses the ground floor and two enlarged subfloors. The use of white concrete is not usual, several tests were made before the samples comply, in addition to the structural strength, with the color and texture required.  Natural light and noble materials such as light stone, marble and copper were chosen  to lighten up the building in contrast to the surrounding grays and blacks of the neighboring graves.

The ventilated façade is made of aged stone topped by an oval “verdi-gris” copper dome whose structure is built with innovative materials and techniques to provide resistance and facilitate its assembly in such a limited space. Exterior bronze grilles with  a safety glass panel provides protection to the Tiffany-style stained glass windows that recall the family roots.  The lighting is complemented by installing a lens in the central oculus of the oval copper dome, concentrating the natural light to illuminate the ascetic vaulted space.

The interaction with our Client, who actively participated during the development of the project, brought new challenges to the program by requesting to include an interactive system screens to allow the young members  of the family to access the biography of their ancestors, view photographs and videos added with the purpose of remembering them as they were in life.

Images and videos showing all phases of the construction process will be periodically uploaded.