The town hall of Montornès del Vallès has proposed the creation of a youth center to cater to the activities of young people in the municipality. This initiative led to the construction of a rectangular building on public land, surrounded by landscaped areas for the enjoyment of the center’s users.
Design and Layout
The Sputnik Youth Center, designed by OBO Estudi, features a ground floor with staff offices, meeting spaces, and a bar that opens up to the exterior garden. The first floor hosts three large multipurpose spaces and a bathroom, with a large terrace that allows for indoor-outdoor activities.
Construction Approach
The building utilizes a construction system typical of the local industries. A modular metal structure sits atop a concrete slab, with composite slabs and prefabricated panels forming the façade. The construction process emphasizes dry construction techniques, with most elements prefabricated off-site and assembled on-site.
Sustainable Features
The design minimizes the use of superfluous coatings, allowing the structural elements to remain exposed. Solar protection is provided by slatted wood cladding on the long façades, while torsion mesh on the shorter sides supports the growth of ivy for natural shading.
Energy Efficiency
Recognizing the variability of interior uses, the building employs a low thermal inertia system capable of adapting to different seasonal conditions. The envelope features high tightness and low transmittance, along with efficient air exchange systems. Photovoltaic panels capture energy, while CO2 detectors optimize air quality and light controls adjust based on solar incidence.
Green Building Certification
The Sputnik Youth Center is designed to meet the standards of the Green Building Council, aiming to achieve 5 Green Leaves Greens certification. The integration of sustainable design principles and energy-efficient systems reflects a commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation in architectural design.
