Spain

ABOUT

Barcelona-based architecture practice Peris+Toral Arquitectes chose to include Tenseo Frontside 381 in their design for the largest timber-structure residential building in Spain.

A major redevelopment project

For the competition, Peris+Toral Arquitectes submitted a project for an autonomous five-storey timber-structure residential building. The structure itself is supported by a reinforced concrete frame running throughout the ground floor, which houses retail spaces and other public facilities. The building’s design is articulated around a central courtyard, which provides greenery for the residents. A covered passageway connects this shared space to the city outside.

One of the main objectives of the project was to maximize residential floor space, which motivated the choice to displace circulation areas along courtyard-facing walls. Instead of building corridors inside, taking up precious space, a series of covered terraces wrap around the courtyard, providing access to the apartments. Solid wood staircases were positioned on each corner of the central plaza, leading up to the different levels.

In total, the building used around 8,300 cubic metres of timber from the forests of the Basque country. This type of construction has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially for its reputation as a sustainable and low-carbon alternative, but also for its ability to reduce construction times.

‘We chose to work with wood because, compared with more conventional materials, it offers the possibility for faster construction of the building’s structure. It’s a sustainable material, less impactful in terms of carbon footprint, but infinitely more positive for residents’ quality of life,’ says José Manuel Toral, the architect in charge of the project.

Tenseo Frontside 381 brings shade to the courtyard façade

To complete the building’s courtyard walls, the architects opted for partial metal wire mesh cladding, with the addition of around 1,600sqm of Tenseo Frontside 381. Durable and highly resistant against weather conditions, this textile membrane blocks up to 81% of the sun’s heat, delivering effective thermal protection for the building’s residents and reducing reliance on air conditioning. It also provides visual comfort by maintaining visibility outside the building.

The strengths of Tenseo Frontside 381

• High-level resistance against weather conditions (wind, hail, UV, etc.) and exceptional durability thanks to Précontraint® technology.
• Creative potential: a flexible and lightweight canvas that lends itself to a variety of shapes.
• Thermal comfort: blocks up to 81% of sun’s heat, contributing to increased energy efficiency within the building.
• Visual comfort: reduces sun’s glare while maintaining visibility outside.
• Communication medium: possibility to customize the canvas with digital or screen printing.

Project participants :

Architects: Peris +Toral Arquitectes
Manufacturer & installer: TP Arquitectura i Construcción Textil
Copyrights: ©José Hevia