Guadalaviar School asked for our assistance in restoring the perimeter fence around the complex. The intervention was required in order to…
Guadalaviar School asked for our assistance in restoring the perimeter fence around the complex. The intervention was required in order to remove vegetation and other elements which could give rise to health and safety issues.
We approached the project with all the care and attention required when dealing with a building protected by the BIC classification (Cultural Interest Asset), starting with an initial investigation and study of the project by GO.DB Architects, who designed the building, and of the available graphic material. Following this exploratory phase, we decided to restore the original fence designed by GO.DB and incorporate the elements required for compliance with current regulations.
The fence comprises three solid concrete slats, with a pronounced horizontality, held up by black steel posts. The bands regain prominence in our design, which focused on restoring them.
In order to comply with current legislation, which is much stricter than it was in 1960, we had to increase the height of the fence. To do this, we designed a black steel structure in keeping with the rest of the construction, which was lined with perforated sheet with very small holes to avoid disrupting the lightweight feel and attractive aesthetics of the building’s suspended volumes.
On the inside of the fence, we created a teakwood planter attached to the posts beneath the perforated sheet. This subtle element allows the presence of vegetation to be controlled and helps to make the space warmer, as well as reducing the visual impact of the additional structure.
The intervention also covered the two entrances to the school. The entrance on Avenida Blasco Ibáñez (which was not part of the original design) was replaced by a new gate which more closely reflected the original architecture. On Avenida de Aragón, the entrance was doubled in size, replacing the old lock on the gate with a new one with the same design and colour. The latter entrance is used by parents and pupils on a regular basis and by enlarging it we were able to improve conditions for safety and evacuation.
The three white concrete slats enhance the horizontality of the architecture as a whole. By removing the vegetation concealing them, they regain prominence and functionality.
Our most significant source of inspiration was the initial project designed by GO.DB Architects.
