Architectural Cases

In General Alvear, Mendoza, the MS House Museum, designed by UNO MÁS UNO Arquitectos, represents a remarkable transformation of an abandoned 1924 winery. This ambitious project, completed in 2023, meticulously revived a structure that had fallen into disrepair after decades of neglect. The site, originally a wine-producing facility for the Hidalgo family, now serves as a dynamic space encompassing an artist's atelier, a personal museum, and an exhibition hall. The architectural intervention skillfully blends the rich history of the industrial building with modern design principles, creating a unique cultural landmark within a 750 square meter footprint.

The narrative of the MS House Museum begins in the early 20th century when the winery was a bustling center of viticulture. However, by the late 1970s, it lay deserted, its once grand tanks and structures succumbing to the ravages of time. Four decades later, in 2015, a descendant of the original Hidalgo family, driven by a profound artistic and cultural vision, saw beyond the decay. This individual's foresight initiated the journey to reimagine the crumbling edifice as a vibrant center for art and heritage.

The architectural team, UNO MÁS UNO Arquitectos, faced the challenge of preserving the historical essence of the winery while infusing it with contemporary functionality. Their approach focused on careful restoration, highlighting the original brick and concrete structures, which now stand as a testament to the building's past. The design incorporates elements that facilitate its new role as a museum and art space, such as optimized natural lighting and versatile exhibition areas.

The choice of General Alvear, Mendoza, as the location adds another layer of significance to the project. This region, renowned for its wine production, provides a fitting backdrop for a museum that celebrates both local heritage and artistic innovation. The transformation of the old winery into a cultural destination not only revitalizes a historic site but also contributes to the local community's artistic landscape.

The meticulous restoration efforts and thoughtful contemporary additions have resulted in a building that respects its past while embracing its future. The MS House Museum now stands as a beacon of cultural renewal, demonstrating how architectural ingenuity can breathe new life into forgotten structures, turning them into spaces that inspire and educate.

This innovative project showcases the potential of adaptive reuse in architecture, where historical buildings are given new purposes that reflect modern societal needs. By converting a disused winery into a vibrant museum and art space, UNO MÁS UNO Arquitectos has not only preserved a piece of history but also created a dynamic environment for artistic expression and cultural engagement in General Alvear.

The Thionville Multipurpose Sports Complex, conceived by Dominique Coulon & associés, represents a thoughtful integration of contemporary design with historical architectural elements. This project, known as “le SPOT,” aims to modernize existing sports facilities while honoring the site's rich past, bridging different eras through cohesive design principles. Completed in 2024, the expansive 4554 square meter facility in Thionville, France, seeks to provide a versatile space for major competitions and cultural events, embodying a dialogue between old and new.

The architects faced the unique challenge of developing a new structure within a site that dates back to 1960, which originally housed a municipal gymnasium and a theatre. A core objective was to update the sports infrastructure to meet modern demands without compromising the historical integrity of the surroundings. This led to a strategy focused on preserving significant heritage features. A prominent example is the existing stone wall, which was retained and now functions as a visual and symbolic link, connecting the historical context with the newly introduced contemporary elements. This wall acts as a constant reminder of the site's past, grounding the new development within its historical narrative.

In addition to the stone wall, the original entrance portico was also meticulously preserved. This portico has long served as an important landmark for the local community, and its retention ensures that the complex maintains a recognizable connection to its historical identity. The design approach for the new gymnasium's façade drew inspiration directly from the forms and aesthetic of the existing theatre. By adopting elements such as tall, vertical openings and alternating solid and glazed sections, the new sports center visually extends the theatre. This intentional design choice creates an impression that both buildings were conceived at the same time, thereby paying homage to the site’s heritage while firmly situating the new structure in a modern context. The deliberate echoing of the theatre's architectural language ensures a harmonious relationship between the old and new constructions.

The Thionville Multipurpose Sports Complex stands as a testament to the potential of architectural projects to respectfully evolve within historical settings. By carefully preserving and integrating existing features while introducing new designs inspired by the site's heritage, Dominique Coulon & associés have crafted a facility that is both functionally modern and deeply rooted in its context. This approach not only provides a cutting-edge venue for sports and culture but also reinforces the town's historical identity through its built environment.