OCCUPATIONAL CENTRE "EL CUETO" IN SANTA MARTA DE TORMES, SALAMANCA

The initial assignment was to reform an existing building. After previous experiences and parctise in renovations, we convinced the association ASPRODES about the advantages of a new center, with a small increase in investment and financing.

The program proposed two zones that differed functions depending on the degree of the user need for assistance, or the degree of disadvantage, as we like to call in the study.  The Anglo-Saxon "handicapped" term always seemed to us a better term, that references to the advantage applied in sporting terms, allowing everyone to compete with anyone. Regarding these two areas, the occupational employment one is north-oriented holding work ateliers and the one with classrooms and the living areas opens to the south.

The access is located at the junction of these two zones, the access works as spatial continuous in between the courtyards, that separates and forms a narrowing space in both plan and section. The front and roof tops are made of the same ceramic material. In facade a gray graphite brick is placed like sardinel with horizontal touching joint (hidden) and an industrial finishing reminiscent of a front plate. The brick is placed vertically or horizontally without locks.

The roof is made with half bricks of the same material used in the facade glued with high technology mortar based on a latex laticrete type.

DATA:

Architects: DL + A Architects. Jose Maria de Lapuerta, Carlos Asensio

Promoter: ASPRODES / Diputación de Salamanca

Construction: Crescencio Lopez

Surface: 910 m2

Dates. Project: 2005 Construction: 2007

Team. Project leader: Paloma Campo / Architects: Raquel Lara, Cristina Jimenez