vertical extension of an historical landmark
location: lima, peru
client: inversiones alternas
design team: s. barclay – j.p. Crousse
project team: m. apolaya
built surface: 2332 m2
completion: 2012
photographer: j.l. dieguez
award: concurso nacional de calidad arquitectónica 2007 - first prize - colegio de arquitectos del perú
publications: World Architecture 329 - 2017 / Summa+ 135 - 2014 /
The original building, designed by Emilio Harth-Terré and declared Historic Monument, was conceived as a massive volume that has two stories but appears to have a single, massive level. The project works with the opposite strategy: tripartition of the two-floor extension to reduce the scale and avoid competing with the central role given to the original façade. Treatment of the new façade, apparently ethereal, is conceived in a random sequence. The glass screen captures natural light and creates shadows to help create a rhythm that merges with surrounding buildings. Inside, metallic footbridges cross the patio to link the escape staircases and become informal learning places.
