Gran Vía, Madrid
Comprehensive project monitoring and conservation consultancy for Primark’s 9,000m² Madrid flagship. Consurv assisted the design team by delivering detailed property surveys, analysing proposed materials and implementing major cost-saving techniques across complex façade, flooring and glazing restorations.
In 1910, King Alfonso XIII ordered the demolition of some of the buildings between Plaza de España and Plaza de Cibeles, the purpose was to transform the Gran Vía, in a commercial and entertainment epicentre of Madrid and one of the most unique places. Madrid’s most famous avenue, Gran Vía, was sliced through old Madrid in the early 20th century to create a grand avenue for the capital of Spain, thus giving way for the architects of the time to design sumptuous buildings along the sides of the Avenue. The result is a mesmerising collection of highly ornate buildings with striking Belle Epoque and Art Déco features.
Consurv had the honour to work with the once known ‘Madrid-Paris Building’ located at Gran Via, 32. The nine-storey building was designed by Teodoro de Anasagasti in 1924. This building has very large pilasters that accentuate the vertical. On top of the building is a cupola that is topped with a sculpture of the Ave Fenix. The nine-storey building at number 32 Gran Vía has now been bought up by Pontegadea, an investment company belonging to the Galician fashion tycoon. The Irish clothing retailer Primark is opening a three-floor, 9,000m² flagship store which will open fall-winter 2015.
Consurv Involvement
Consurv involvement in this project was to assist and consult the design team in relation to the sensitive restoration works that had to be carried out on the Gran Via building. Consurv have completed a detailed survey of the property, will provide product analysis of proposed materials for use and will oversee all the works until the Gran Via project completion. Consurv have and are providing major insight and cost saving techniques particularly in relation to the central Atrium, flooring procedures, glass domes – lift shaft, external façade/ plaster works, weathering details, openings and glazing.
Masthead image by Luis García, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
