Completed in April 2005, Edificio Portico is conceived as a temple; an elegant glass box resting on a limestone plinth with signature portico roof overselling and shimmering stainless steel veils protecting the long east and west facades against the heat of the Madrid sun. Originally designed as a speculative office building, the 2,900m² “H Plan” floorplates offer high efficiency, abundant natural light and optimum flexibility for single or multiple tenants. An upper level executive floor steps back below the portico roof to provide shaded outdoor terraces.
Edificio Portico is situated within the Campo de las Naciones business park, surrounded by parkland and other similar scale developments with extensive views in all directions. Floor to ceiling glass maximises views and natural light whilst the stainless steel mesh veils provide solar shading without forming a visual obstruction. In order to ensure that the stainless steel mesh would perform as anticipated a number of buildings are identified in the UK and Europe during the design process to be visited and studied. In addition, one to one mock-ups are produced during the schematic design stage to test the visibility through the mesh and affects of reflected sunlight.
Edificio Portico is situated within the Campo de las Naciones business park, surrounded by parkland and other similar scale developments with extensive views in all directions. Floor to ceiling glass maximises views and natural light whilst the stainless steel mesh veils provide solar shading without forming a visual obstruction. In order to ensure that the stainless steel mesh would perform as anticipated a number of buildings are identified in the UK and Europe during the design process to be visited and studied. In addition, one to one mock-ups are produced during the schematic design stage to test the visibility through the mesh and affects of reflected sunlight.
The limestone plinth provides a dramatic entrance with extensive garden spaces for the office workers to enjoy. Taking advantage of the natural site topography the limestone plinth also incorporates an additional half floor of lettable space to the west. The garden spaces continue around the perimeter of the building with trees and shrubs lining the east and west facades and a signature tree located in the northern court. Sweeping above the building and southern garden plaza the signature louvered roof or portico provides both shade and grandness of scale. Aligning with the limestone plinth below the roof also supports the stainless steel mesh veils which are held in tension between the plinth and roof perimeter. Recognition for the building design was achieved at MIPIM in 2007 with the winning of the Award for Best Office Building.
Designed with SOM
