American School of Madrid

Revitalising the Heart of the School

Luis Gayarre Arquitectos was entrusted with the extension and renovation of the American School of Madrid’s library, its adjacent Commons area, and the dining hall. These spaces, originally built in a traditional layout, had become outdated and underutilised, particularly after the introduction of new teaching methods and technologies. The aim of the project was to breathe new life into these areas and re-establish them as the vibrant nerve centre of the school.

Bringing in Light and Transparency

To meet the brief of expanding both spaces and maximising natural light, significant structural changes were required. The basement retaining walls were repositioned and the ground floor’s external walls were completely rebuilt. These were replaced with WICONA WICTEC 50 curtain walls, chosen for their transparency and ability to enhance light flow. The new façades boast an industrial finish with visible screw fixings—a modern, expressive solution that complements the updated character of the interiors.

Thanks to the extension, two striking double-height spaces were introduced, creating a visual and physical link between the Commons area on the ground floor and the dining hall below, while also dramatically increasing daylight penetration.

A Flexible, Future-Ready Space

The reimagined ground floor now features two interconnected zones: the Commons area and the library, divided only by a transparent glass wall. The Commons has been designed with total flexibility in mind—a space to eat, play, create, exhibit, and exchange ideas. It allows students to learn at their own pace, while teachers can provide personalised or group instruction in a completely wireless environment.

The library includes areas for reading and audiovisual activities, with acoustic insulation, alongside dedicated spaces for both individual and collaborative study.

Enhanced Functionality in the Dining Hall

Located in the basement, the dining hall and kitchen area have undergone a complete transformation. Accessibility has been improved through the addition of two staircases clad in perforated white metal and a glass lift. The new design brings in more light and creates a more spacious, welcoming atmosphere.

The cafeteria and kitchen have been reorganised for functionality, allowing them to be fully separated from the dining hall after meal service. This makes the dining hall available for use throughout the school day, independent of kitchen activity.

Interior Design with Character and Cohesion

For the interiors, Luis Gayarre Arquitectos collaborated with designer Isabel López Vilalta. Together, they crafted a fresh, inspiring atmosphere by integrating innovative materials such as continuous linoleum and quarried stone floors, suspended ceilings of expanded white mesh revealing the technical infrastructure, continuous wood panelling, and perforated white sheeting.

As the architects note, the existing structural elements have been highlighted to celebrate the building’s history. For example, in the dining hall, the exposed ceiling beams help dictate the layout of the suspended panels, while in the Commons area, the original trusses and corrugated metal roofing are now on display. These thoughtful design touches contribute to a cohesive, contemporary identity for this vital area of the school.

WICONA used systems:

Façades WICTEC 50