Ceramics reinterpret traditional architectural style
An innovative living concept for the future: a multi-generational house in Madrid combines traditional architecture with a modern VHF ceramic façade.
Amidst the lively backdrop of Madrid stands a small architectural gem that is much more than just a residential building. The "Beyond the Family Kin Housing" project represents the values and visions of a modern, multigenerational society. This multi-generational house embodies a concept for lifelong living in every detail of its design principles, which are characterized by durability and flexibility. The choice of ceramic facade and tile design was not a random decision.
Developed by Ignacio G. Galván and OF Architects, this house was created with the aim of meeting the needs of different generations and enabling lifelong living. The open-plan design, characterized by seamless transitions, invites a variety of alternative living arrangements while promoting a sense of community.
Striking facade design
The unique exterior of the building is characterized by its pitched roof and the blue ceramic facade of the KeraTwin® system from Agrob Buchtal, contrasted by the striking appearance of corrugated steel panels. The facade is not only aesthetic. It combines several tectonic and technological strategies to bring energy efficiency and environmental quality to the project. To ensure the longevity of the building, the clients opted for a pre-ventilated ceramic façade on the recommendation of the architects. It is robust and durable, yet flexible and can be easily removed and rebuilt. The construction and ceramic panels provide the best possible basis for the resilient basic concept of the architecture by Ignacio G Galván and OF Architects, sustainably combining the present and the future. The movable windows in the pitched roof are linked to automatic blinds that control heat and lighting to create a well-ventilated and comfortable interior. Solar panels, supported by the striking green steel structure on the roof, support the operation of the underfloor heating throughout the house.
Energy-efficient tile design
With their focus on energy efficiency, barrier-free design, and aesthetics, the builders have largely opted for a combination of underfloor heating and heat-conductive tiles for the interior. This contributes 100% to the energy efficiency of the house, because compared to parquet or other types of flooring, tiles allow for faster and more efficient heat transfer into the room. The duo is easy to install, sustainable in use, and unbeatably efficient in terms of service life. In summer, the tiles are pleasantly cool, which is particularly welcome and often used in warm countries such as Spain. With the natural, modern material of tile, the architects have created a comfortable and healthy living environment for residents of all ages in their showcase project.
Inclusive room concept
Modern design is a central theme that is taken into account both inside and outside the house in order to promote the inclusion and participation of all residents. While new buildings in the area tend to shift most of the social life to their rear terraces, they promote the formation of communities and social connections with features such as an inner courtyard. The open design of the ground floor, with its direct connection to the street, also encourages neighborhood community. A short ramp leads from street level to the entrance. Inside the house, there is a seamless sequence of rooms that can be comfortably and safely explored and inhabited by everyone, from toddlers to seniors, from scooters to wheelchairs, meeting all needs: on each of the three floors, with varying degrees of autonomy and community.
In this innovative project, the architects viewed ceramic not only as a facade, wall, or floor covering, but as an integral part of inclusive, healthy living architecture. Thanks in no small part to the protruding and rear-ventilated ceramic façade, the building will be able to adapt flexibly to the different lifestyles of its residents and their changing needs in the future.
