3,500 m²
COLLABORATOR SANCHES DE CASTRO
WINNER COMPETITION
MADRID, SPAIN
We are delighted to announce that we secured second place in the annual Pladur competition! This prestigious event focused on designing a stellar observatory—imagine it: set against the breathtaking backdrop of Yelmo de la Pedriza, a majestic mountain range near Madrid.
Our design features eight state-of-the-art observation rooms, strategically positioned to capture celestial wonders. But that’s not all! We also created dedicated spaces for brilliant scientists, along with cozy private rooms for distinguished visitors and curious students. A vibrant common area awaits, complete with a charming “cantina” and modern kitchen facilities. Additionally, we designed a serene lounge and meeting room, perfect for contemplation and collaboration.
At the heart of our design stands the magnificent main hall, home to the observation station with its grand dome and an awe-inspiring auditorium. Get ready for an extraordinary celestial journey!
We envisioned light openings as striking elements in the landscape—points of serenity that enhance the surrounding environment. These include observation points, a retractable dome, and light chimneys. Our project serves as a reinterpretation of the competition’s winning entry—not as a physical construction proposal, but as an architectural essay, a source of inspiration for future projects of this kind.