New animal shelter for ADPCA in Zaragoza by Pérez + Usabiaga Arquitectura

Description of project by Pérez + Usabiaga Arquitectura

ADPCA is a not-for-profit that operates at a provincial level for the defence of and prevention of cruelty to animals. For this purpose, it is in possession of a shelter for abandoned dogs that is required to relocate to a new parcel located in an area of rural land without existing buildings or tree cover in proximity, on which a functional programme is to be established determined by the number and weight of the animals to be housed.

The scope of the project covers housing for approximately 155 animals, distributed into 50 ordinary kennels and 5 quarantine kennels to prevent the spread of disease. Initially, it will involve the execution of a first stage, consisting of the construction of a building for volunteers, the entire sectors 01 and 03, and the first 10 kennels of sector 02 and its corresponding storage building.

Taking into account the initial determining factors, the site to be developed is adjacent to Camino del Llano road, in order to facilitate access, on a controlled incline with minimum need for excavation. The actual layout of the volumes will provide protection for the animals from the prevailing north-westerly wind and maximum sun exposure in the winter months.

In architectural terms, the intention is to lay out a line of spaces that enable to create a place in a decontextualised agricultural environment while maintaining a relationship and visual connections with the surrounding area. Owing to the nature of the activity involved, very specific regulatory requirements are to be addressed in the design.


New animal shelther for ADPCA by Pérez + Usabiaga Arquitectura. Photograph by Iñaki Bergera.

As a starting point, it is necessary to incorporate a repetitive module with space for each animal to rest and exercise, the layout of which is achieved by fragmenting the programme into separate sectors in a transversal direction that allow the incorporation of common, complementary exercise areas and limiting sight lines between them in order to enhance the welfare of the animals.

At the point closest to the entrance, at the theoretical placement of one of the sectors, a central building for workers and volunteers will be located to serve as a filter between the entrance to the parcel and the areas reserved for the animals, enabling management of the facility and centralisation of service installations.

Additionally, as a result of these sectors being spread out along the longitudinal axis, the boundaries between the sectors are blurred, favouring integration into the landscape. A central open space emerges that serves as a core element to independently assist with the coexistence of transiting people, animals and facilities.

As regards excessive sun exposure in summer, protection systems are designed for the most affected façades, and there will be a presence of pergolas with climbing plants in outdoor spaces, complemented by the planting of trees.

The design of structural and construction systems arises from the intention to create functional buildings that are resistant and easy to construct, for which use is planned of traditional systems, such as load-bearing façades in hollow clay brick and roofs comprising a metal decking system, without additional cladding.