Extension

The project configures a new entry point to the School of Santa Teresa de Jesús in Torrent. A single level pavilion stands parallel to the Avenida Constitución, while, on the other side, it embraces the existing magnificent pine forest. The concrete porch shelters the itineraries of students, parents and teachers and provides a shaded plinth for protection and leasure. The different volumes emerge out of this plinth, their shapes cut out in the sky like the pine tree tops.

Isoropia (greek meaning balance, equilibrium and stability) is a finely tuned balance of tension and compression. Here, bespoke knitted textiles with varying material properties embed active bent fiberglass rods and together they find their equilibrium and form. Isoropia investigates how computational design allows us to rethink material use in architecture. Here the profession comes from a tradition of adding materials to form building elements and buildings, we find, that this practice is highly wasteful. Current techniques and material will not only deplete the resources of our planet, but are as well not able to satisfy the need for housing of the globes growing population. What is needed – are smarter materials, processes and technologies for building. Isoropia advocates a lighter architecture in which material behaviors – the bending, and stretching of materials – are actively employed to build smarter with less.

The building has an interesting dual relationship, the first floor is used for music and dance, while the second floor accommodates plastic arts. The two levels (and therefore the programmatic areas) are linked by a generous open-air (covered) grand staircase-hall-gallery which articulates and simultaneously acts as a meeting, performance and exhibition space.

Jenkins Street is a juxtaposition in many ways. It flawlessly mixes private & intimate spaces with open plan living and the architecture provides contrast with new modern-contemporary meeting with old period-art deco. The dynamic of new and old, and diversity on a functional level as well as a visual level alludes to a home with a perceived split personality; made tranquil with the right balance of yin and yang.