SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 14th April. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Council of Architects of Spain has chosen the restoration of the ground floor of Carta Palace, a historically significant building designated as an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC) since 1947, as one of the finalist projects for the 2024 Architecture Awards. The winners will be announced during a ceremony on June 20.
Mayor of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, José Manuel Bermúdez, expressed great satisfaction that the renovation and refurbishment of Carta Palace, led by a team of expert professionals under the guidance of architects Fernando Arocha, Deiene González, and Carlos Arocha, has been nominated to compete for the prestigious Spanish architecture award.
José Manuel Bermúdez highlighted the challenges overcome during this project on a unique building, one of the first to be legally protected in Santa Cruz. He emphasised the successful resolution of unexpected issues, such as the discovery of the building’s ancient cistern, which led to modifications in the project and temporary work suspension. However, after project management proposed a solution and necessary adjustments were made, construction resumed, showcasing one of the project’s commendable aspects for the national award.
Architect Fernando Arocha detailed that the recent refurbishment of Carta Palace’s ground floor has enabled its public opening, revealing one of Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s most historically significant buildings. Built between 1721-1742 by the Carta family, it served as the General Captaincy of the Canary Islands in the 19th century and later as the Civil Government. The building was declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 1947, before a significant renovation by the Bank Español de Crédito, which established its main office in Tenerife’s capital.
Fernando Arocha outlined the meticulous historical and architectural study carried out by a multidisciplinary team during the 2023 restoration. The focus was on using original materials, recovering unique property details and spaces. Arocha highlighted the restoration of the tea and barbuzano carpentry of the main patio and the chasnera stonework of Arico. He mentioned the removal of a concrete slab and a skylight from the second patio, both additions from the 1950s, restoring the property’s status as a double Canarian patio open-air garden.
The contributions of the team were acknowledged, including Carlos Arocha, Daniel Fernández, Sinesio Domínguez, Carmelo González-Chávez, Leopoldo Mansito, Diego Gómez, DeCom and Aquilino Dorta in the technical aspect, supported by historian Dácil Perdigón, lighting expert Jose Ramón Fragoso, and archaeological monitors Javier Soler and Gema Pérez. The restoration works of Alba Fuentes, Alicia Sacramento, and María J. Mallart were also recognised, along with photographer Flavio Dorta. Lastly, the UTE Víctor Rodríguez + VVO Construcciones was credited for the project’s execution.
The architect highlighted the restoration of original heights on the main façade’s openings and the renovation of the access hallway to include an original accessibility system concealed beneath the steps, ensuring universal accessibility through the primary entrance. The enhancements in accessibility, fire safety measures, new lighting, and incorporation of new technologies were stated as essential for the usage of the Tourist Information Office, reviving one of Santa Cruz’s 18th-century jewels.
The Architecture Awards have been impactful since their inception in 2021, transforming the recognitions granted since 1981. The current format has bridged architecture with society, showcasing the sector’s contributions in enhancing habitability, providing access to decent housing, designing public spaces for the common good, and preserving towns’ cultural uniqueness and historical richness while promoting environmental conservation.
The wealth and variety of diverse cultures and territories contribute to a highly fertile and diverse national architectural landscape, reflected annually in the Architecture Awards.
