Montecarmelo Townhouses: Breaking the Monotony of Madrid

Revitalizing Urban Architecture with Joaquin Millan Villamuelas

In a city known for its monotony and alignment, the Montecarmelo Townhouses stand as a testament to the power of creativity and imagination. Villamuelas, the mastermind behind OOIIO Architecture, utilized Dalí's Paranoid Critical Method to break free from the restrictions imposed by urban planning. The result is a refreshing departure from the norm, offering a glimpse into the potential for fresh urbanism in our cities.

The design concept was born from the idea of traditional sun protection systems, such as esparto blinds found in vernacular architecture in southern Spain. Villamuelas reinterpreted this concept by creating rough brick cloths that cover and protect the facades of the townhouses. The use of larger-than-average bricks arranged vertically adds a touch of uniqueness and character to the design.

With a build area of 586.4 square meters, the Montecarmelo Townhouses provide a spacious and comfortable living environment for families. The rough brick cloths not only serve as a striking visual feature but also offer protection from the sun, creating a harmonious balance between aesthetics and functionality.

Overcoming challenges posed by client preferences, Villamuelas successfully navigated the delicate balance between modernity and tradition. The Montecarmelo Townhouses serve as a beacon of inspiration for future architects, encouraging them to challenge the status quo and inject singularity into our urban landscapes.

The Montecarmelo Townhouses project, which commenced in October 2017 and concluded in March 2019, is a testament to the meticulous research conducted by Villamuelas and his team. By simplifying complex design problems and reinterpreting tradition, they were able to find the most intelligent and innovative solutions.

This exceptional design has not gone unnoticed. The Montecarmelo Townhouses were awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2020 for their outstanding creativity and resourcefulness. This prestigious accolade recognizes designs that incorporate best practices in art, science, design, and technology, ultimately contributing to improvements in quality of life.

The Montecarmelo Townhouses project by Joaquin Millan Villamuelas is a true testament to the power of design to transform our urban environments. By breaking free from the constraints of monotony and alignment, Villamuelas has created a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, inspiring architects and residents alike.