Cultural SERIES  •  Project FEATURE

Reimagining an Space – Caja de Cultura de Torrelodones by Gabriel Gallegos Borges

The renovation aimed to breathe new life into the existing framework, creating a versatile cultural space while highlighting the building's original design language. The transformation included demolishing non-essential partitions, especially those of the attic, to unveil the striking roof structure and achieve the desired spatial openness.

The modifications balanced the preservation of the building’s formal identity with the introduction of new elements that accommodate its cultural functions. Originally, the building served as a commercial showroom for furniture and an adjacent residential area. With two above-ground levels and a semi-basement workshop and storage area, the structure had distinct spaces characterized by a robust exterior. The building’s facade, featuring rectangular volumes clad in gres and crowned by two truncated slate pyramids with skylights, presented a sober yet striking presence in the urban landscape. These prominent roof structures became the defining architectural element, setting the tone for the building’s visual identity. The renovation project also addressed the surrounding urban environment, expanding the pedestrian space around the building. This improvement not only elevated the architectural presence of the Caja de Cultura but also enhanced the accessibility and appeal of the immediate area. The thoughtful integration of new pedestrian zones around the perimeter reinforced the building’s role as a community hub, inviting residents and visitors alike to engage with the cultural offerings inside.

"Where the past meets the present, creativity finds a home."

The interior layout initially followed a clear organizational scheme, based on a floor plan composed of two intersecting squares that supported the roof pavilions. The structural grid was defined by longitudinal and transverse axes, marked by reinforced concrete supports on the lower levels and steel pillars above. The pyramid-shaped roof pavilions gave the structure a unique rhythm and hierarchy that would guide the renovation process. To address the challenge of limited natural light within the interior, new openings were introduced along the longitudinal wall facing the inner courtyard, significantly improving illumination. The original skylights, with their motorized frames, were retained but enhanced to improve ventilation, ensuring a comfortable atmosphere for visitors.

A key element of the renovation was the installation of a climate control system discreetly integrated into the building’s perimeter. Concealed behind custom paneling and bookcases, the ducts remain unobtrusive while serving the needs of a multi-functional reading space. The thoughtful integration of modern amenities maintained the building’s clean lines, ensuring that the new elements complement rather than overwhelm the original design.

"Architecture is not just about buildings; it is about shaping experiences and fostering connections."

A new steel-and-wood staircase was introduced as a central feature, providing a light and elegant connection between the upper levels. Positioned within an open void, the staircase creates a sense of processional ascent, guiding visitors through the evolving spatial volumes crowned by the distinctive roof structure. This new vertical connection allows for a dynamic exploration of the interior, encouraging visitors to appreciate the building’s architectural nuances.

The renovation extended beyond the building's walls, creating a transitional space between interior and exterior. A new glazed gallery was constructed, utilizing some of the existing supports from the former exterior pergola. This gallery serves as a welcoming foyer to the library, acting as a threshold that gracefully mediates between the indoor and outdoor environments. The addition also enhances the library's connection to its surroundings, drawing in natural light while offering visual continuity with the exterior landscape.

The outdoor areas were thoughtfully reconfigured to support the building’s cultural function. The existing courtyard was reimagined as an expanded pergola-covered area for children’s activities, seamlessly accessible from the children’s library. This transformation introduced a playful, open-air extension to the library, promoting active engagement with the outdoor space. Additionally, a new English courtyard was created, providing a distinct entry point to the semi-basement level and further integrating the structure with its site.

The revitalized Caja de Cultura de Torrelodones demonstrates how architectural adaptations can honor the past while embracing the present. By retaining the distinctive structural elements and introducing contemporary modifications, the renovation pays homage to Sáenz de Oíza's original vision while setting the stage for a new cultural chapter. The project’s careful balancing of preservation and innovation has transformed the building into a space that encourages exploration, creativity, and community connection. With its functional enhancements and thoughtful design, the Caja de Cultura serves as a testament to the importance of adaptive reuse in architecture. The building's new role as a cultural space not only revitalizes the structure itself but also breathes life into the broader community. It stands as a symbol of architectural resilience, demonstrating how the careful adaptation of existing structures can bring new meaning and utility to places that might otherwise fade into obscurity.