Penthouse Extension
The proposal focuses on the reactivation of the residual spaces that currently exist on the roofs of many buildings in Barcelona through mechanisms of low impact that take advantage of the opportunity offered by the geometries and the existing materials on these terraces (loading walls, slopes, orientations, etc.), offering versatile and flexible spaces that do not compromise changes in future uses. In this way, the pavilion is proposed as a light wood framework, which takes advantage of the existing conditions on the roof to define a versatile space with independent entrance of the existing dwelling and with the necessary supplies to be able to accommodate different uses over time (linked or not to the existing apartment); Bedroom, study, workshop, games room, living room or kitchen.
The commission consists on the extension of an existing dwelling located on the deck of a late nineteenth century building in Barcelona. The configuration of this new space should allow an undefined use until the reformation of the original house is completed. With this idea in mind, a volume is proposed with the provision of facilities that allow this undefined use over time. The new extension will be located between the existing dwelling and the party wall, so it can take advantage of both walls as carrying elements, something very common in this type of extensions on decks. The premises are clear; minimum weight, minimum execution time and maximum flexibility. Taking this into consideration, the pavilion is defined as a simple geometry and is built entirely in wood due to its light weight and speed of execution. In order to accelerate and control the assembly process, the facades were assembled in a workshop and were lifted with a crane onto the roof. The slabs were, instead, built in site. The total construction time on site took one week, 48 hours for the assembly of the pavilion and the other five days to carry out the works of supplies and finishings.
