This chapel in Brihuega, situated north-east of Madrid, dates from the late 16th century. It once formed part of a monastery, which was abandoned in 1969. In future, the structure is to be used mainly as a venue for cultural events of various kinds. The architects have carefully restored the existing building, leaving visible the traces of its past. The scars of time are especially evident in the decorative features around the main entrance.
Observing the structure of the existing building, the conversion is divided into three zones. The vaulted hall, roughly 16 metres high, has been restored more or less to its original form, while the dome, which had collapsed in part, was reinstated, and a modern “chandelier” was installed. In the central section, old and new are combined. Supported by a massive concrete beam, a modern “chancel” projects out over the entrance zone, and above this gallery area is a new barrel-vault structure. Remnants of stucco work indicate the base of the former construction.
The rear section, in which the chancel was formerly located, is now almost completely closed off. A four-storey structure within the old walls houses service facilities and the means of access to the upper levels. The dominant materials – marble flooring on the ground floor and white-painted walls with stucco work – are a reminder of the original state. New elements inserted in the chapel are distinguished by the use of pine louvres.
Observing the structure of the existing building, the conversion is divided into three zones. The vaulted hall, roughly 16 metres high, has been restored more or less to its original form, while the dome, which had collapsed in part, was reinstated, and a modern “chandelier” was installed. In the central section, old and new are combined. Supported by a massive concrete beam, a modern “chancel” projects out over the entrance zone, and above this gallery area is a new barrel-vault structure. Remnants of stucco work indicate the base of the former construction.
The rear section, in which the chancel was formerly located, is now almost completely closed off. A four-storey structure within the old walls houses service facilities and the means of access to the upper levels. The dominant materials – marble flooring on the ground floor and white-painted walls with stucco work – are a reminder of the original state. New elements inserted in the chapel are distinguished by the use of pine louvres.