Casa de Las Conchas
The Casa de Las Conchas is one of the most famous fifteenth-century buildings in Salamanca. The building takes its name from the ornamental stone shells or 'conchas' which liberally cover the south-west elevation, alternating with the fleur-de-lys emblems of Rodrigo Arias Maldonaldo, the original builder. The architectural composition, arranged over six levels (including a basement exhibition space) is centered around the original cloister. Over the centuries, the building has been subject to much alteration and the architects have stripped away the crust of additions, adding new work as required by the programme to turn the building into a public library. These additions have been executed in a contemporary manner, making it obvious, whilst remaining sympathetic to the original fabric. This harmony is further reinforced by the materials used. Timber, glass and stone echo the original character, yet the handling of these materials adds a slightly Scandinavian ambiance.
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