Murado & Elvira reimagines a 17th-century library on the west coast of Spain

Madrid-based architecture firm Murado & Elvira has completed the restoration of a municipal library and historic archive in Spain. The refreshed interior includes reimagined details of the original stone construction and multi-functional curved maple wood walls.
Located in Baiona on the west coast of Spain, the library was originally home to the 17th-century Sancti Spiritus Hospital. The building sits in a historical context behind the ex-collegiate church of Santa María and within the city’s sloped, narrow streets.
The project began back in 2010, when Murado & Elvira won the Baiona City Council competition and were tasked to breathe new life into the building without erasing its history. Having undergone major alterations internally and externally, the two-level, 1076.5sq m library had lost some of its character over the centuries, which the architects sought to restore.
An outdoor courtyard showing the restored exterior of the library.
Inside, stone walls in the archive’s hallway display a treasure trove of archaeological delights, while a former stone step of the existing building was creatively reimagined as a seat; the stone, recalling the nostalgia of the former existing granite structure, yet warmed by the modern maple wood interior architecture throughout.
The children’s library is cocooned in the comforting maple wood, featuring multi-functional curved walls that double as integrated shelving, furniture and hidden spaces – including a secret door and puppet theatre. One of three staircases leads up to the main room on the upper floor – a vast open-plan expanse, defined by its circular skylights, an existing stone wall (of the original structure) and quirky cut out study booths.
The open-plan upper floor space with circular skylights and a preserved stone wall.
Transverse hallways and staircases connect the interior to the outdoor courtyard that is embellished with custom-designed lamps and a sleek garden fountain.
Set to become a favourite haunt for young and old alike, Baiona’s library provides a dynamic environment in which creativity can thrive to benefit society and nature. The design stands both as a landmark of the future and homage to the past, revealing a unique, bibliophile’s utopia. This creative and sensitive rejuvenation is proof that libraries are much more than buildings filled with books.
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the Murado & Elvira website
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
-
Comic book watches: from Mickey Mouse to Spiderman
Comic book watches, from brands such as Audemars Piguet, Oris, Ulysse Nardin and Reservoir, come with a ‘Pow!’ factor
By James Gurney Published
-
More design in Miami: things to see in town this weekend
From Design District installations to the new disruptive design fair, highlights for design around the city
By Rosa Bertoli Published
-
Alex Israel uses BMW technology for AI-powered video installation
Alex Israel’s 'REMEMBR' at Art Basel Miami Beach 2023 uses AI technology to curate and choreograph a visitor’s phone camera content into a video installation across seven screens
By Pei-Ru Keh Published
-
Low-energy house in Catalonia minimises its footprint to make the most of its site
Alventosa Morell Arquitectes’ low-energy house in Catalonia nestles into the landscape
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Hortensia Herrero Art Centre puts Valencia on the contemporary art map
Hortensia Herrero Art Centre launches in Valencia, offering a home for contemporary art to sit side by side with archaeological treasures
By Blaire Dessent Published
-
Minimalist architecture: homes that inspire calm
These examples of minimalist architecture place life in the foreground – clutter is demoted; joy promoted
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
The finest brutalist architecture in London and beyond
For some of the world's finest brutalist architecture in London and beyond, scroll below. Can’t get enough of brutalism? Neither can we.
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Modernist architecture: inspiration from across the globe
Modernist architecture has had a tremendous influence on today’s built environment, making these midcentury marvels some of the most closely studied 20th-century buildings; check back soon for new additions to our list
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Collective, Hong Kong and Spain: Wallpaper* Architects Directory 2023
With bases in Hong Kong and Spain, Collective joins the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2023, our annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
The iconic British house: key examples explored
New book ‘The Iconic British House’ by Dominic Bradbury explores the country’s best residential examples since 1900
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Loyle Carner’s Reading Festival 2023 stage presents spatial storytelling at its finest
We talk to Loyle Carner and The Unlimited Dreams Company (UDC) about the musical artist’s stage set design for Reading Festival 2023
By Teshome Douglas-Campbell Published