The primary elements for the definition of the proposal arise from the analysis of the program, an activity that requires a high degree of privacy, but which at the same time is located in front of a public space.
It is a built volume that occupies the entire dimension of the plot with a variable height. Regarding Enric Casanovas Street, the maximum height is 14.30 m, and regarding Pablo Iglesias Street it is 14.15 m.
It is a volume covered by a ventilated and perforated skin, which ensures good climatic comfort while ensuring privacy from the outside. All the openings are protected and are shown as Chinese shadows from the street, which creates a very comfortable light gradient from the interior. This double skin is configured differently and adapts to the different façades.
Access is via Enric Casanovas Street at elevation +198.80; all public functions are located on this floor. In order to guarantee proper functioning, we have established two independent circulations, a public and a private one.
Public circulation takes place exclusively on the ground floor, while private circulation runs through the ground floor and the rest of the floors.
Constructively, we have opted for a light, fast construction, being aware of the deadlines for the execution of the work.
The adaptation of the project to energy efficiency and environmental criteria is approached from several aspects:
With regard to water, it is decided to install water saving systems at all exit points such as toilets and kitchens. Double flush push buttons are also installed in the toilet cisterns in order to reduce water consumption.
The energy related aspects are treated through a double skin on the façade: an exempt covering made up of a micro-perforated sheet metal skin allows good lighting and environmental comfort in the interior spaces. Also, a patio is created against the middle of the neighbouring building in order to achieve cross ventilation along the entire new piece. All the glasses are double-glazed and comply with the required average coefficient of thermal transmission. The lighting has presence detectors in the communal access spaces and low consumption lamps.
Regarding the construction materials and systems, it is a simple and economical construction in order to be able to cope with the short construction periods, with a mixed structure - concrete and metal -. The construction solutions used respond to a high degree of industrialisation and the possibility of reuse, using prefabricated elements such as sandwich panels and fiber cement panels, which allow dry assembly and disassembly.
Efforts have been made to use mainly non-polluting materials, paints and glues without toxic components and cables free of halogens and heavy metals.
Construction waste is transported to authorised landfills with waste management.