The new construction has a double skin system formed by a box enclosed within another larger box. The first is built with prefabricated panels of laminated wood that make up the structure and at the same time the enclosure with optimal energy, thermal and acoustic comfort qualities.
On the other hand, the second is a permeable envelope, made up of a tubular structure on which the terraces are supported, where the prefabricated panels and lattices of the façade offer a play of lights, shadows and reflections, in addition to limiting excess solar radiation in interior spaces.
MA House by Bxd arquitectura and Cra-De.studio. Photograph by Aleix Bagué
Project description by Bxd arquitectura
Context
The project is located in a residential area of Sant Cugat del Vallès, in a consolidated suburb, made up mainly of small, low-density multi-family buildings, surrounded by gardens and a diverse architecture that reflects its time, from the 1950s to the present day.
The family that owns one of these blocks commissioned us to complete the construction of the building that was left unfinished in 2006, as well as to refurbish the existing building in order to update the performance of the envelope.
MA House by Bxd arquitectura and Cra-De.studio. Photograph by Aleix Bagué
The complex is situated on a rectangular plot of about 500 sqm, totally flat, facing the street on one side and surrounded by isolated buildings on the sides and at the back.
The existing volume, consisting of a ground floor and two above ground car park, had a staircase on one side, strategically placed to facilitate the construction of the new volume arranged symmetrically and thus complete the building.
The extension of the building involves three new flats of about 60m2, one on each floor, in addition to the two existing ones. In total 5 dwellings.
MA House by Bxd arquitectura and Cra-De.studio. Photograph by Aleix Bagué
Metric
The existing 6x17 metre building allows for the aconstruction of a new symmetrical volume, separated by the 2 m wide free-standing staircase.
However, the buildability consumed in the existing building does not permit the construction of the same surface area, and it is the front and back terraces that complete the ocupation to make the volumes exactly the same.
The oraganisation of the new dwellings is resolved by means of a central nucleus of services that separates the day zone fom the night zone while visually communicating the terraces situated on the opposite sides of the dwelling. This reinforces the south and north orientations, favouring wider views and cross ventilation.
MA House by Bxd arquitectura and Cra-De.studio. Photograph by Aleix Bagué
System
The new construction is resolved as a system consisting of a double skin formed by a box, closed, inside another box, permeable, larger than the first.
The first box, a closed envelope, built with prefabricated plywood panels, provides us with the structural function, and at the same time an enclosure with optimum energy, thermal comfort and acoustic qualities typical of the material.
The second box, a permeable envelope, is formed by a tubular structure supporting the terraces, the prefabricated façade finish panels and the lattices that serve as a transition space, providing solar and visual protection and allowing larger openings in the more exposed façade, which is also better oriented.
MA House by Bxd arquitectura and Cra-De.studio. Photograph by Aleix Bagué
Materiality
A precise construction, made up of light elements of dry construction, basically steel and glass, are the materials that receive and transform the light into effects of sun and shadow, reflections and transparencies.
The combination of these materials makes it possible to create spaces where sunlight interacts dynamically with the structure. The steel elements, depending on their shape and arrangement, can cast different shadows on the interior and exterior surfaces. These shadows change constantly throughout the day and the seasons, creating a constantly evolving visual spectacle.
