New Library “Villaverde”

Madrid, Spain

In collaboration with arch. Enrico Bona

The New Library was designed as a simple and efficient building, characterised by its exceptional clarity and a seamless connection with natural light and the surrounding environment.

Conceived as a cultural and social ‘factory’, the New Library offers the community a vibrant space for exchange and knowledge – an active space by everyone, for everyone. The flexibility of its layout and functions, combined with a modular system of functionally, structurally and climatically independent units, allows for diverse configurations while significantly reducing management and maintenance costs. By integrating with its surroundings and utilising brick – a material deeply rooted in the local context – the building evokes the memory of the place through a contemporary architectural language.

The building envelope features a brise-soleil made of ceramic terracotta elements shaped like ‘large book pages’, which filter and regulate natural light.

Through its materiality and configuration, the façade acts as a simple ‘skin’. It acquires multiple meanings and functions, becoming a key element of identity as well as consolidating the New Library’s civic image.

From an energy perspective, the project is designed as an nZEB (nearly Zero Energy Building). It guarantees year-round indoor comfort with minimal to zero energy consumption, fully offset by renewable energy sources.

Award: HONORABLE MENTION “International design competition Library Villaverde”, 2018.

Criteria: Near Zero Energy Building - Prefab - Flexibility &Permeability - Social involvement