#internalstructures

A six-storey building in central Madrid collapsed while undergoing renovations to be converted into a four-star hotel. The building’s interior structure gave way completely, while the exterior façade remained mostly intact.

The building’s internal structural collapse is visible during the hotel conversion, while the traditional façade is preserved.

Overview of the Building and Renovation

Developers built the original building in the mid 1960s and are now renovating it extensively to convert it from an office building into a hotel. The renovation included modifications to the internal structure to accommodate rooms and facilities, as well as updates to infrastructure, all while attempting to preserve the existing façade.

The collapse highlights the challenges of preserving internal structure when converting older buildings to new uses.

Previous Structural Condition

Earlier engineering inspections indicated that the building’s overall condition was unstable, with issues noted in the façade, exterior walls, interior partitions, roof, roof terraces, and plumbing systems. These assessments highlighted the need for careful structural evaluation before undertaking major renovations.

The partial collapse illustrates how the exterior can remain intact even as internal support fails.

Architectural Observations

The collapse exposed how renovation teams compromised the building’s stability, especially when they altered or removed internal load-bearing elements. While the façade remained largely unchanged, the failure of the internal structure underscores the importance of thorough analysis of older buildings before adapting them for new functions, especially in projects involving significant structural modifications.

The collapse emphasizes the need for careful analysis of internal structures when converting older buildings to new uses.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

This report examines the collapse of a six storey building undergoing conversion into a four-star hotel. The original structure, with its delicate internal framework, failed during renovation, while the exterior façade remained largely intact, highlighting the contrast between traditional façade materials and weaker internal structures. Although the renovation aimed to integrate new functions within the existing shell, the collapse raises critical questions about structural assessment and safety measures during adaptive reuse. Nevertheless, the project offers insight into future design strategies for old buildings, emphasizing the balance between structural integrity and visual continuity.

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