Leitat I+D Headquarters

Terrassa, Spain

Architects: Jon Tugores + Architects

Location: C/ de la Innovació, 2 Terrassa, 08225 Terrassa, Spain

Project had to overcome first, the (still) surprise of the lot chosen. In the midst of a pine centennial consolidated in a forest, where it would have been better left as it was. We faced the project being cautious, knowing we were going to damage a natural environment. Once we had decided where to place the building perimeter, after a study where we locate the surface that was 'less' traumatic, to the pine. We proposed a building divided in 4 layers.

Roof: Solar Energy Harvesting, copying the natural functions of the trees. Rest area; pavements with different concepts; Rubber recycled grass, sand ..slightly lower than the treetops, so that the user is immersed with-in them and the natural hierarchy.

First floor: it’s coincidence with the bulk of the pine, suggested the location of all offices and research areas, behind a facade where outside activity shouldn’t be visible. A clear intention not to want to disturb the local wildlife.

Ground floor, open building, Transparency, continuity, public area, library, administration.

Ground underground, noise, machinery. All machinery, very noisy, would be in a tight-closed underground to avoid noise pollution. It also adds the vehicle access.