This small residential block on a gap site in the heart of Madrid’s old town conceals behind its modest outward appearance an ambitious approach to sustainable construction. The building integrates naturally into the urban fabric thanks to its size and proportions, the vertical modulation of the facade elements, the projecting balconies, the finishes and the stepping back of the upper floors.

The choice of materials and systems specifically set out to minimize environmental impact, in accordance with overall economic viability. Five storeys high, from the first floor up the structure and enclosing elements are of laminated wood panels. The external surfaces are treated with a reinforced photocatalytic render, which is both decontaminating and dirt-resistant, and backed with a mineral wool insulation that complements the advantages of wood and optimizes thermal and acoustic performance. These and other measures give the building a negative carbon footprint.

Behind its unassuming appearance, this building demonstrates that truly sustainable architecture is not incompatible with a conventional programme or limited budget, and that there is no need for a building that has really reduced its impact to ostentatiously advertise its green credentials...[+]