The Municipal Library Caja de Cultura in Torrelodones, Spain, was originally designed by Fco. Javier Sáenz de Oíza in 1994, was initially a commercial space with a residential annex and workshop areas. After falling into disuse, the building was repurposed by the City Council into a cultural facility. In 2023, the architectural firm Gabriel Gallegos Borges led the renovation, preserving the original design while adapting it to modern needs. The renovation expanded the building to 10,850 sq ft, incorporating a mix of contemporary functionality and historic preservation.
The building features a stoneware-clad rectangular base and two truncated slate pyramids with skylights. The interior, organised around a grid of three longitudinal and six transversal bays, was redesigned to improve space functionality. Key changes included removing partition walls to enhance openness, creating new openings for natural light, and adding a steel and wood staircase. A glazed gallery was introduced around the exterior, connecting the library to its surroundings and improving pedestrian access.
Sustainability was prioritised in the renovation, with the integration of discreet air conditioning systems and thoughtful outdoor design, including a pergola-covered patio for children’s activities and an English courtyard for basement access. The surrounding pedestrian spaces were expanded to enhance connectivity with the urban environment. This careful blend of preservation and innovation has successfully transformed the building into a vibrant cultural hub.
The renovation also focused on enhancing the building’s structural clarity while maintaining the essence of the original design. The reinforced concrete supports on the lower levels were preserved, while the upper levels were framed with tubular steel columns, creating a striking contrast of materials. This thoughtful integration of materials, alongside the removal of partition walls and the introduction of natural light, has resulted in a space that is both functional and aesthetically cohesive. The transformation has not only modernised the building for its new purpose as a library but also preserved its architectural legacy, ensuring that the space serves as a modern cultural hub while honouring its historical roots.
