Fab 40: Recycling centre by Hidalgo Hartmann

Spain

Jordi Hidalgo and Daniela Hartmann work on architecture and interiors respectively. In partnership since 1996, Hidalgo and Hartmann's Barcelona studio is a crucible of contemporary Spanish design (although Hartmann was born in Germany), creating residences and cultural buildings that share a grounded sensibility. Both architects combine academia with practice, and are professors at ELISAVA's Interior Design department in Barcelona.

The Casa Bianna in La Garrotxa, completed in 2006, is an L-shaped pavilion that projects out across its valley site. The monolithic concrete walls fold up and around the living space, leaving large areas of glazing to look back across the countryside. 'The living room is treated as a porch that's open to the landscape,' the architects say.

The studio's award-winning public work expands their focus on space that flows inside and outside, with each building fully integrated into the public realm through artfully composed hard landscaping. Ongoing work includes a football academy in Malgrat de Mar.

www.hidalgohartmann.com

2 November 2009 | Architecture