La Vaguada

The intervention revives the identity of the place, its Genius Loci, through a contemporary reading of the elements that once made La Vaguada “the heart of Madrid”: the skylights, the iconic sails, and the seamless integration between interior and exterior. Every architectural gesture seeks to strengthen the emotional bond between the building and its community, updating its language without losing its memory.

The project focuses on sustainability and visitor comfort, with a comprehensive renovation that enhances both energy and acoustic efficiency. The new ETFE skylights, a 100% recyclable material, help reduce the carbon footprint, while the use of recyclable, low-impact materials ensures both aesthetic and environmental coherence. The installation of sound-absorbing slats achieves a 47% reduction in noise levels, significantly improving the user experience.

The interior redesign is based on a colour palette inspired by nature: earthy tones, transparency, and the recovery of the original concrete pillars. The result is a warm and luminous atmosphere where the building’s original character engages in dialogue with contemporary design.

On the exterior, the renovation expands the green areas and gathering spaces, fostering a stronger connection with the urban environment. The new escalator and direct access to the landscaped terrace transform circulation through the building, inviting visitors to experience the centre as a social and landscaped space.

The emblematic sails return, renewed: beyond their symbolic value, they now play a key role in the building’s energy management, filtering sunlight in summer and maximising natural light in winter. In this way, La Vaguada is reborn as a benchmark in sustainable urban architecture, keeping Manrique’s vision alive while adapting it to the challenges of today.