Nuria Mercade PORTFOLIO 2023

POR TFO LIO

Architecture should always be exciting and moving for its inhabitants. I believe that small details and the quality of space can transform the way a specific place is used and experienced.

As BIM Consultant at UN, I am a key member of the BIM management team. My position involves organising the implementation of BIM from the early stages, ensuring that all existing information meets quality criteria and that future projects are developed in the most productive way.

For the last years, I have gained full experience in the design, construction, and delivery of projects in different sectors, as well as in managing the BIM and digital information element of multidisciplinary projects.

I enjoy working in a fluid, dynamic organization with a minimal amount of direction, where it is essential the ability to use time productively and work efficiently to achieve team/ project goals.

Seeking new opportunities where I can support, influence, and expand my knowledge about the building and coordination process within the BIM methodology.

SOFTWARE SKILLS

BIM: REVIT + Navisworks + BIM360 + Archibus + Enscape (Virtual Reality) + Archicad 23

LinkedIn certifications: Become a Bim Coordinator + Navisworks: Clash Detection

AutoCAD (8+ years Professional Experience, 6 years personal experience)

SketchUp, Rhino + VRay

Photoshop + Illustrator + Indesign + Premiere (Professional knowledge)

3D StudioMax + VRay (30h course)

EDUCATION

2016

Architect by School of Architecture, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid

2015-2016

Master’s degree in Architecture, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid

2010-2015

Grade in Architecture, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid

ARCHITECTURE EXPERIENCE

JUN 2022 - APR 2023

United Nations Office, Geneva, Switzerland

BIM Expert Consultant

Key experience: BIM implementation at the United Nations. This includes developing a BIM strategy for future internal projects and implementing CMMS for the maintenance of existing buildings.

AUG 2019 - JUN 2022

ColladoCollins Architects, London

ARB Lead Design Architect

Key experience: major residential mixed-use schemes and new later living residential building design process and technical development (BIM - Revit).

JAN 2022 – JUN 2022

Royal Tunbridge Wells, mixed use and elderly residential scheme – £63.085m 22,700 m2

Concept and design development / RIBA

Workstage: 2-3

NOV 2020 – JAN 2022

The Sylvans, 53 Dwellings - Later living residential building, Sevenoaks, Kent –6,750 m2

Technical development / RIBA

Workstage: 3-4

JUN 2020 – NOV 2020

Access Homes. Residential, Offices & Storage, London –27,000 m2 Design / RIBA Workstage: 2-3

JAN 2020 – JUN 2020

Shootersway. 103 Dwellings, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire – 15,733 m2 Design / RIBA Workstage: 1-3

JAN 2017- JUN 2019

ESTUDIO ALVAREZ SALA, Madrid

Architect Designer

Key experience: complete new residential building design process with varied work methodology (AutoCad and Revit).

FEB 2017- JUN 2019

122 Dwellings incorporating mixed

NURIA MERCADÉ

use at ground floor and city planning modification, Barcelona

Strategic definition– construction

OCT 2018 – JUN 2019

85 Dwellings Building, Madrid

Design stage.

MAR 2019

Private Residential Building

Contest, Madrid

NOV 2018 – DIC 2018

TABIT building, 91 Dwellings

Residential Building, Madrid

Technical design

JUL 2017- JAN 2018

AURA Homes, 254 Dwellings

Residential Building, Madrid

Developed design – technical design

JAN 2017- FEB 2017

Office Building Refurbisment, Madrid

Technical design

SEP 2018-JUL 2019 INDEPENDENT ARCHITECT

Complete House Refurbishing, Madrid – 317 m2

AWARDS, EXHIBITIONS & PUBLICATIONS

2015

Community of Madrid Excellence Award

2013

Community of Madrid Excellence Award

DEC 2012

Collective Exhibition: “1912.DIA.D –UD Campo Baeza”

2010

Collective Exhibition: “Materia y Espacio ”experimental workshop, commissioned by Ignacio Vicens

2012

Freehand Drawing Publication: “255.255.255 daetsam” Magazine

LANGUAGES

Spanish - Mother tongue

English - Professional C1

French - Intermediate B1 (currently studying)

FORMER ABC CINEMA SITE

162 DWELLINGS, RETAIL & CAR PARK - LATER LIVING SCHEME ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT

Constructed Area: 22,700 m2

Cost: £63.085m

Client: Retirement Villages Group Ltd

Workstage: 2, Pre-Planning - REVIT & ScketchUp

The site sits in the geographic centre of Tunbridge Wells at the crossroads between Mount Pleasant Road which runs north-south linking the historic Pantiles with more recent development, and Church Road / Crescent Road running east-west between Calverley Park and Tunbridge Wells Common. The main Civic centre of the town, an impressive NeoGeorgian building constructed in 1934, the same year the Ritz Cinema opened, sits diagonally opposite the site framing an important open space which currently lacks enclosure due to the absence of any building on the site.

The various elements of the building face a rich mix of architectural styles reflecting the long and varied history of the development of Tunbridge Wells, from the stuccoed Regency style so prevalent in the residential and historic quarters, through the neo-Gothic follies, the ArtDeco influence of the Civic Centre, and even the Brutalist style of the Axa offices there is a rich mix to respond to.

The proposals are for a mixed-use scheme promoting active frontages along Mount Pleasant Road and Church Road to reintegrate the site into the town and bolster the link between the north and south retail areas. Retail uses facing Mount Pleasant Road for small local retailers are proposed, with a mix of catering and wellbeing uses further up the hill and within the public courtyard. Above these, residential apartments are proposed, with each dwelling provided with a private terrace or balcony.

The public realm serves as the key interface between the functions, weaving the development into the town and providing access to the amenity functions and the residential uses. The footpath traversing the site through the courtyard connects Mount Pleasant Road with the Clandircarde Estate and the GP surgery which serves an important local function.

THE SYLVANS 53 DWELLINGS - LATER LIVING RESIDENTIAL BUILDING SEVENOAKS, KENT

Constructed Area: 6,750 m2

Client: ELYSIAN RESIDENCES

Workstage: 3, Planning - REVIT

The Sylvans site forms part of the wider Wildernesse House redevelopment.

The redevelopment masterplan includes the Grade II listed Wildernesse House conversion into apartments for older people with communal facilities as well as eight Mews Houses, parking and associated landscaping.

The proposed works involve the construction of five buildings comprising 53 units of extra care accommodation for older people (sui generis use).

The spatial character of the Wildernesse Estate has informed the number and distribution of blocks in this part of the site. A mix of stepped two and three storey blocks are proposed relating to the site topography and being lower next to the southern boundary and existing houses.

The spaces between the blocks are intended to be informal in character with a woodland feel. Paths will get more formal as they are nearer the house.

THE SYLVANS 53 DWELLINGS - LATER LIVING RESIDENTIAL BUILDING SEVENOAKS, KENT

Constructed Area: 6,750 m2

Client: ELYSIAN RESIDENCES

Workstage: 4, Technical design - REVIT

INTERNAL LAYOUTS:

As the project coordinator team, we received from the interior architects the design intent concept and we were responsible of developing it further on. This included creating construction drawing packages for finishes, RCP, fittings (kitchens, bathrooms and built-in wardrobes) and specification documents (sanitaryware, appliances and finishes)

SHELL AND CORE:

Development in detail of the façade, external walls, internal walls, roof joints, windows and doors schedule, among others.

We worked hand by hand with different consultants to develope the design of lobby areas, open staircases and cores. The preparation of detail studies included construction drawings, sections and technical details.

THE SYLVANS

53 DWELLINGS - LATER LIVING RESIDENTIAL BUILDING SEVENOAKS, KENT

Constructed Area: 6,750 m2

Client: ELYSIAN RESIDENCES

Workstage: 4, Technical design - REVIT

ACCESS HOMES RESIDENTIAL, OFFICES & STORAGE MENDIP RD, LONDON

Constructed Area: 27,000 m2

Client: ACCESS SELF STORAGE

Workstage: 1 to 3 - REVIT + SketchUp

The site, is situated in Battersea, an area located within the London Borough of Wandsworth in south west London. The borough of Wandsworth forms part of inner London and is located to the south of the River Thames, 2.9 miles south west of Charing Cross.

The building would be 8 storeys and 10 storeys facing York Road and 8 storeys and 13 storeys fronting Mendip Road. It would feature a 2 storey basement and a single storey podium.

The mixed-use scheme comprises: 131 Build to rent dwellings, 193 Sharedliving dwellings, 7,858m² Storage space, Flexible office space, 187m² Cafe.

Building heights are varied to respond to the surrounding urban context and the need to retain daylight/sunlight to

neighbouring residents. This height distinction allows for a prominent corner building on York/Mendip Road and a taller element facing the river maximising the river views.

The chosen materials respond to local architecture. This is predominantly brick and render with GRC and metal finishes proposed in emerging developments. The use of brick is extended to the majority of the scheme with a colour change to reflect the change in internal use between the Co-living and build to rent. The four volumes are split into two by changing the brick colour, although to retain the legibility of four buildings the detailing between the facades differs.

SHOOTERSWAY 103 DWELLINGS, C2 EXTRA CARE BERKHAMSTED, HERTFORDSHIRE

Constructed Area: 15,733 m2

Client: ELYSIAN RESIDENCES

Workstage: 1 to 3 - REVIT + SketchUp

The proposal is to create a C2 Extra Care development with integrated amenities and care provision comprising 103 dwellings, with 75 parking spaces for residents, staff, and visitors.

The concept for the development as two groupings of three interlinked pavilions are reinforced by the materials selected for each volume. In each grouping the central volume contains the main circulation core and in the case of the western grouping (Block A) the central volume contains the main entrance to the development. The peripheral volumes are linked via glazed circulation spaces, and are subservient to the main central piece.

The use of different materials between the central linking volume and the peripheral buildings establishes a hierarchy of form and colour which reflects the internal arrangement. This breaks down the visual impact of the volume and simultaneously creates a diverse development for residents, integrating the colours of nature into the building - green elements to complement the verdant site and surroundings, and black elements to contrast with and highlight the green.

AURA HOMES 254 DWELLINGS - RESIDENTIAL BUILDING ALCOBENDAS, MADRID

Constructed Area: 53,518 m2

Cost: € 37.8m

Client: NEINOR HOMES

Workstage: 2 to 4 - REVIT

The complex of Espino del Cuquillo comprises 254 homes, 254 storage rooms and 475 parking spaces. It is completed with large garden areas and three community pools.

The plot in which the building is located has a very irregular perimeter that mixes straight and curved boundaries.

For this reason, the building dissociates itself from the official alignments and follows its own geometry, through gentle curvatures that also adapt to the topography. Two bands of houses with double orientation are projected. Living rooms, main bedrooms and terraces face the exterior and the secondary bedrooms face an inner street conveniently landscaped.

The communication core and halls are located in this intermediate street. Each core serves 2 or 4 homes in every floor. The parking and the storage rooms are located in two basements under the built area.

PARADIS DEL MAR 122 DWELLINGS, MIXED-USE BUILDING MONTGAT, BARCELONA

Constructed Area: 13,466 m2

Cost: € 9.05m

Client: CONSTRUREAL

Workstage: 1 to 5 - AUTOCAD

The complex of Paradis del Mar is located in a restructuring area where industrial use is being substituted by housing.

As part of an industrial urban structure, there was a lack of green areas. For this reason, the first and fundamental intervention is made at an urbanistic scale. The Area’s Urbanistic Rules have been modified to include a new green public area.

After this action, the building is configured as a one L shaped block and it is located in the north edges, leaving the south

orientation to this new green area. This organization allows the building and gardens to have a better solar utilization. As a mixed-use building, in the lower floor we will find commercial locals. These spaces work as connectors between the existing street and the new public space. Concerning the dwelling, there is a huge typology variety as there are both public and private ones. Not segregating public and private housing allows a higher dynamism, flexibility and exclusive apartments.

BRUSELAS 38 COMPLETE OFFICE REFURBISHMENT ALCOBENDAS, MADRID

Constructed Area: 14,000 m2

Cost: € 7,88m

Client: COLONIAL AXIARE

Workstage: 4 - AUTOCAD

This construction was a completely aged building crying out for a change on its appearance and distribution.

The first premise was to design the distribution that allows to optimize the space and provide more flexibility. Due to the privileged position next to the only green area of the urban sector, it is essential to create a constant contact with the exterior.

In the new floorplan, all vertical communications of the building and the common spaces are condensed in the central area, permitting a second ring circulation within the lucrative office space.

With the opening of a courtyard, the central space acquires presence inside the building, full of light and with the possibility of relating some plants with others, and therefore, their people. In this atrium a panoramic elevator was incorporated.

Consequently, the office distribution around the communication space increases permeability and establishes visual relationship from one side to another of the building.

The differentiation between office space and common space is also defined by the decision on the pavements.

CREIXEMENT + ORDRE PUBLIC RESIDENCIAL BUILDING CONTEST MONTGAT, BARCELONA

Constructed Area: 6,040m2

The dwellings that make up this project are distributed in one linear block that follows the longitudinal geometry of the plot.

The access to the residential complex on the ground floor takes place next to an existing green area in the neighborhood. The pavement treatment on the ground floor generates a continuity among the private garden and the public green area, which is considered as an extension of the parcel.

The dwellings distribution in each floor is flexible due to a structural modulation

which allows a complete adjustment to the residential needs.

When discussing about dwellings, connections between public space and the building communication are the most valuable quality. There is a visual relationship between the private and main space of the house, and the common space of the whole building. In between these two places, we can find the “winter garden”: a visually permeable space built as a greenhouse. This can be considered as both indoor and outdoor place and it acts as a semi-private space.

TYPOLOGY 03

Structural modulation: A + B

Surface: 102,0 m2

TYPOLOGY 02

Structural modulation: A

Surface: 64,5 m2

TYPOLOGY 03

Structural modulation: B

Surface: 36,6 m2

GOLF BALCONY PRIVATE RESIDENCIAL BUILDING CONTEST ARROYO FRESNO, MADRID

Constructed Area: 16,600 m2

Cost: €12,4m

The proposed buildings are 3 different volumes adapted to the regulatory constraints. There are two housing typologies: separate block and linear block next to a dividing wall.

Despite the differences of typologies, every dwelling is designed under the same concept: spacious living rooms with extraordinary terraces.

With regard to the separate blocks, every floor varies according to the height, creating staggered volumes. These variations are produced always in the living rooms and the fourth bedroom, which can be considered as part of the living room if necessary. Kitchen and bathrooms are located in the same position as a permanent element throughout the whole building.

Because of the inner limitations of the linear typology, which does not tolerate wide variations, the 2 dwellings for each landing entrance distribution remains the same. In all these dwellings, the living room position creates a “sequenced” space with natural light and ventilation and enjoys two orientations.

These strategies allow both typologies to have panoramic views.

ENTRE AS PEDRAS FOREST PAVILIONS O GROVE, GALICIA

Architectural design project

Mentor: Aranguren

The Project is located in the O Grove peninsula (Arosa sea inlet), where there is lush vegetation and it will be able to visually connect to the sea and troughs. Therefore, the project separates itself from the original location and goes deep into the forest. There are two different camping programs: facilities and camping. The tents are the only refuge and each single piece around the forest is a specific part of the camping program. Every piece is surrounded by the vegetation, which is also an organizing element of the project.

The pieces are semi-buried so that there is a balance between the outside height of the building and the environment. These pieces bore the ground, integrate themselves into the environment, and incorporate the passage of time into their materials.

ROBOTIC TOWER TOWER PARKING + POOLS MADRID

Construction development and Structure design project

Mentor: Jesus Anaya + Frechilla

The new robotic parking tower is located next to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. It rises above the stadium providing a privileged view of the city.

On the ground floor, the car parking access is buried and placed close to the existing streets. This creates a new square for the city.

The building has two different functions: a large automated parking system and, on the top of the building, public facilities as swimming pools, café and entertainment.

Six metallic trusses define the building. This structure holds the floor framings of the public area located in the top of the building. Additionally, it supports the parking lot which hangs from steel wire ropes.

Moreover, different façade finishes are used according to the building use. In the parking area, a metal mesh covers up all the façade and allows ventilation. Meanwhile the upper part is constructed with sliding polycarbonate panels.

CALI_26 NEW PUBLIC SPACE CALI, COLOMBIA

Architectural design 06

Mentor: Maroto + Izaskun Chinchilla

This urban intervention is located in Cali, Colombia. As of today, the Villanueva Prison creates a “hole” in the city. This new project tries to adress the issue of present disconnection in the city. The prison wall disappears allowing the pedestrian’s natural circulation to be restored.

New public space is created as an extension of current streets. Long retaining walls define the new streets. These walls have attached a light structure which holds the new public buildings.

CLOUD ART FOUNDATION OPORTO, PORTUGAL

Architectural design 07

Mentor: Sancho

The analysis of Oporto’s population and the lack of city facilities generate the formal design of the Foundation. The building is mainly designed for cultural use. The project is formed of two different pieces: a “cloud” that alights over a concrete basement.

A temporary exhibition area is located in this ethereal new space, where the sights and opacities between inside and outside become essential.

CERAMICS DESIGN

Since 2022, I have been a member of various ceramic studios, where I have been exploring different techniques, forms, and prototypes of functional and decorative objects. Through these experiences, I have deepened my understanding of ceramics and honed my skills in creating unique and visually captivating pieces. It has been a fulfilling journey of artistic exploration, and I am eager to continue pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with clay.

Sonus Ipsum was founded during the Cultural Days celebrated in the School of Music in Pozuelo de Alarcon. They explore all new resources and sound innovations that appeared on the first twentieth-century avant-gardes. Once this workshop was concluded, Sonus Ipsum first performance included John Cage, H. Cowell, Kurtag and Ligeti pieces.

The group is composed by interpreters of different disciplines, which gives great

versatility to their live staging. Traditional acoustic instruments and electronic ones are combined. The main objective is to make surprising sound effects. Aside from the artists previously mentioned, their musical repertoire also includes works from Crumb, Jodlowski, R. Humet and Bruynel. They regularly perform their work in public.