THE HISTORY BEHIMD ROOM MATE WALDORF TOWERS: A New Phase in the Life of Waldorf Towers

From the point of view of the user, comfort levels were improved, as was energy efficiency. Sound insulation was increased in the walls by means of introducing an extremely dense rock wool filling inside, and by adding extra sound-proofing sheets on each side. Despite this taking an inch off the size of each room, the improvement in sound insulation was noticeable. The wooden slabs and boards led to particularly bad sound insulation and, in order to improve this, fibre glass was placed in between them and high-impact sheets were installed under the floor, with excellent results in terms of sound-proofing. The exterior façade was also thermally insulated as much as was possible.

From an energy point of view, this included a general power switch-off in the rooms by means of card slots and LED lighting systems were installed in all areas. On the deck, a white, waterproofing layer was added in order to improve the sun refraction and reduce the inside heating. Furthermore, photovoltaic panels and solar collectors were installed for domestic hot water as a way of aiding the building’s energetic consumption. The toilet taps are all low consumption.

Although in the common and exterior areas it was necessary to restore Albert Anis’ original design, in the hallways and rooms the interior architect, Nacho García de Vinuesa was able to develop a wonderful design which brings together the respect for the building’s original spirit with the reinterpretation of Art Deco. The furniture was custom designed by Vinuesa for this hotel and they are all bespoke pieces. Countless prototypes were made before the perfect design was created.

 

 

A Nod to the Future

The false ceilings in the reception were partially recovered. The constant dampness coming from the rooms had left them almost completely ruined, as well as rotting part of the wooden structure that supported them. When closing them up again, we were able to make a small nod to the future. Within the ceiling we left a message in the form of a time capsule so that when it gets renovated in another 80 years, it will be found and they will discover something about the people that worked in the building before them.

In a short walk along Miami Beach, many other of Albert Anis’ works can be discovered, and the architectural elements that he liked so much are evident.

The result

 

 

Ramón Fernández López, Architec.

In Memoriam de Pepe Tena

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