lina toro transforms madrid car wash with vibrant blue surfaces and glass display cases

lina toro transforms madrid car wash with vibrant blue surfaces and glass display cases
all images by imagen subliminal (miguel de guzmán / rocío romero)

in madrid, architect lina toro has transformed an existing car wash named ‘burbucar’ into a theatrical experience that makes its cleaning processes visible to customers. the established business is entirely enclosed within a 70 meter-long and 12 meter-wide tube that occupies the ground floor of a 7-storey building. the company commissioned toro and her team to renew its image in order to convey a sense of transparency and environmental concern. the brief also requested that the business, which operates non-stop for 12 hours each day, would not be interrupted during the project’s realization.

behind the scenes. not only a car wash
video courtesy of line toro

painted almost entirely a single shade of vibrant blue, the renovation comprises both internal and external spaces, which together, serve as a linear stage for a 25 minute cleansing performance. formerly hidden washing processes are revealed through three ‘showcases’: an initial tunnel that features seven consecutive volumes; a display that shows water’s recycling and purifying processes; and a VIP room — complete with ball pit — where customers are able to wait in comfort.

the theatrical experience makes its cleaning processes visible to customers

clad with blue epoxy paint, the interior renovation proudly displays its mechanical and technical components. the entire facility rests on a 10 centimeter neoprene bedding, which absorbs machine vibrations. 80% of the water used is recycled within the purifying room using six specific tanks. the project was completed in just one month, and opened in february 2016.

the business is entirely enclosed within a 70 meter-long and 12 meter-wide tube

the brief requested that the business would not be interrupted during the project’s realization

the scheme is painted almost entirely a single shade of vibrant blue

internal and external spaces serve as a linear stage for a 25 minute cleansing performance

a display shows water’s recycling and purifying processes

the VIP zone and waiting area

the interior renovation proudly displays its mechanical and technical components

a small ball pit complete with ‘bubbles’

the VIP room (left), and finally, the cashier (right)

the interior has been clad with blue epoxy paint

‘burbucar’ car wash is located in madrid, spain

floor plan and sectional drawing / click for larger version

project info:

author: lina toro
collaborators: raquel ruiz and josé maría sánchez laforet
project dates: january – february 2016
area: 750 sqm
construction and production: lina toro
landscaping: jorge basarrate
photography: imagen subliminal (miguel de guzmán / rocío romero)

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