Arenales is a central neighborhood of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, currently undergoing revitalization after decades of degradation. This transformation is driven by private developers aiming to restore the area's distinctive character.
House M is an example of conserving the “collective heritage,” which holds value primarily in preserving the historical memory of the neighborhood, serving as a testament to its historical and cultural context. It is an old corner building that is being restored and expanded for living and working. On the ground floor, where there used to be a bar, there is now a ceramic workshop whose owner will live on the first floor.
The intervention advocates for honest, “handcrafted” architecture, adapted to the local conditions and budget constraints. The existing structure is conditioned through a minimal approach, laying the foundations for a regenerative process that should continue over time. This includes retaining the original bar's flooring and signage in the workshop and integrating new installations as an added layer.
The building is expanded with a metal skeleton that rests on the original walls and a central portico that is rebuilt by reinforcing the existing pillars. Externally, it appears as a shell of imperfect concrete, poured in layers and framed with formwork.
Internally, the additions are light: the exposed structure of metal profiles and composite steel decking is complemented by the use of thermo-clay, chosen for its lightness and ability to create an interior landscape linked to the new activity of the building (ceramics). This high-ceilinged pavilion accommodates public uses and acts as a transition between the street and private areas.
The insertion of a courtyard in the southeast corner ensures lighting and cross-ventilation, completing the construction of this project with a vocation for epigenesis.
