Pradolongo is not only the precise resolution of a housing programme but rather, to our way of thinking, a way of making the most of the planning capacity of the constructed volume for the benefit of the city.
Competition 1rst prize 2002
Project 2003. Completed 2006 Poblados, Madrid
Architects: Ángela García de Paredes. Ignacio G. Pedrosa
Project team: Silvia Colmenares. Eva M. Neila. Pilar Barroso. Sonia Simón.
Building surveyor: Luis Calvo
Building company: Aldesa Construcciones S.A.
Consultants:
Structure: Alfonso G. Gaite. GOGAITE, S.L.
Engineering: GEASYT S.A.
Client: Empresa Municipal de la Vivienda. Ayuntamiento de Madrid
Area: 22.460 m2
Photos: Luís Asín. Roland Halbe
Awards
Finalista Premio Europeo Ugo Rivolta 2008.
Finalista Premio de Arquitectura Española 2007.
The vertex of the site is configured as a crossroad, a confluence of areas that define the decisions concerning the presence and image of the project articulated in the urban landscape. The footprint of the proposed buildings which initially continue the cadence of the nearby constructions as one approaches the vertex of the site, unfold horizontally and vertically until they acquire the condition of an independent vertical element with the capacity to become an urban landmark.
The volumes unfold with two blocks, which form two open public spaces, one facing west and the other one east. The four storeys are sized with the idea of modelling the space between them almost like private squares. The linearity of the open block does not exclude the formation of small-scale, private public spaces with an ease of control in which the construction units are immersed. A third three-storey unit forms the base of slender, twelve-storey double tower with commanding views towards the park.
The dwellings have the day areas crossing through the twelve meters depth of the block allowing cross ventilation and diverse variants. The façade planes are constructed in large format dark coloured precast concrete in which the aluminium cases for the roller blinds are set flush. In the rear walls, the reinforced concrete structure is exposed and edged with opaque and transparent glazing. On the western face, this glass set in deep terraces shelters the inside from the harsh sunlight. The basement unit of the tower incorporates the necessary contribution for solar energy into its façade built with glass tube solar panels. The fifth façade of the buildings is the ground floor plan in which ramps, green slopes and paved areas make up the friendly and meeting image that all residential building requires.