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Corten Steel Facades Embrace Historical Water Galleries in Sustainable Cultural Hub

Author:
Juan Teixeira Zapata
Corten Steel Facades Embrace Historical Water Galleries in Sustainable Cultural Hub

Project in-detail

Corten steel facades envelop historical water galleries, creating a sustainable cultural hub that celebrates Madrid's water management heritage while serving as a dynamic exhibition space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Corten steel facades enhance the building's connection to its historical context.
02
The design preserves existing water galleries, integrating them into exhibition spaces.
03
Natural ventilation strategies optimize energy efficiency throughout the museum.
04
Green roofs support local biodiversity while reducing urban heat.
05
Community-focused public areas encourage social interaction and cultural engagement.
The proposed architectural design for the Madrid Old Water Galleries Museum in Madrid, Spain, serves as both a cultural repository and a public space that honors the city's historical relationship with water management. This project focuses on the rehabilitation of historic water galleries, transforming them into a modern museum that celebrates local heritage through architecture. The design recognizes the significance of water infrastructure in Madrid's urban development while creating an engaging environment for visitors.

The museum is intended to function as an educational and community space, accommodating exhibitions, events, and visitor amenities. By repurposing existing historical structures, the project emphasizes sustainability and adaptive reuse. This approach not only preserves the architectural character of the water galleries but also contributes to environmental sustainability, reducing the need for new construction.

Design Elements and Architectural Features
The museum features a neoclassical design infused with contemporary architectural elements. Key aspects of the project include:

- A grand entrance characterized by expansive glass facades that allow natural light to permeate the interior. This transparency encourages engagement between the museum and the surrounding urban context.
- Arched structural elements that reference traditional Madrid architecture, promoting harmony between the old and the new.
- Spatial organization includes multiple exhibition galleries arranged around a central atrium, facilitating a natural flow of movement throughout the museum.

The material selection emphasizes both modernity and sustainability. Key materials include:

- Reinforced concrete for structural integrity, balancing durability with design flexibility.
- Glass panels for facades, enhancing visual connectivity and drawing in the outdoor environment.
- Polished stone for aesthetic and functional surface cladding, reflecting the historical context of the site.
- Corten steel integrated into outdoor spaces, offering contemporary visual contrast while ensuring longevity.

Sustainability and Community Engagement
A distinctive feature of this project is its commitment to sustainability. The architectural design incorporates rainwater harvesting systems and natural ventilation strategies, minimizing energy consumption and enhancing environmental stewardship. Green roofs are incorporated to promote biodiversity and mitigate urban heat, reflecting a contemporary approach to ecological architecture.

Community engagement is central to the museum's purpose. Public areas, including cafés and interactive spaces, foster social interaction and invite community participation. This unique integration of public and educational elements distinguishes the museum from other cultural institutions, creating a vibrant hub that serves the local population.

For more comprehensive insights into the Madrid Old Water Galleries Museum, consider exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs that detail its functional and aesthetic aspects. This project represents a thoughtful synthesis of historical significance and contemporary architectural practices, encouraging further investigation into innovative design ideas.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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