Spanish firm Luis Vidal + Architects has revitalised a 19th-century heritage building in Chile that was abandoned after an earthquake, and added an extension wrapped in glass and timber slats.
The Matta Sur Complex is located on Chiloé Street, a major thoroughfare in Santiago. The complex is set on a rectangular plot owned by the city.
The Matta Sur Complex is located in Santiago
Designed by Madrid-based Luis Vidal + Architects, the project entailed the restoration of an abandoned, 130-year-old structure and the construction of a new, adjoining building to house a Centro de Salud Familiar (CESFAM), or family healthcare centre. The architects also created a central plaza.
The team's goal was to honour the historic architecture while introducing a contemporary aesthetic. "Our interventions aim to translate the most singular elements of the preexisting building, but using a contemporary, austere language that does not compete with the historic building style but enhances it," the team said.
The project involved restoring an abandoned building
The heritage building ? formerly known as the Metropolitan Lyceum of Santiago ? is L-shaped in plan and stretches along two street fronts, forming a closed corner.
It was built in 1891 to serve as a public educational facility. It long housed a primary school for girls, and in 1989, it became an adult training centre.
Wooden balustrades line the formerly abandoned building
During an 8.8-magnitude earthquake in 2010, the three-...