Pilgrim's House Restoration: Michelin-Starred Cocinandos Restaurant

The City of León recently held a public contest to determine the occupant of the historic Casa de Peregrinos, which has now become the new headquarters for Michelin-starred restaurant Cocinandos. The building, an eighteenth-century palace adjacent to the church of San Marcos, has undergone various transformations throughout its existence. However, a 1992 renovation resulted in a compact structure with limited visual space, making it a challenge to adapt to its new purpose.

The main focus of the restoration project was to create a more spacious and visually appealing environment. This involved transforming the double-height lobby by demolishing walls and opening up the floor to create a more integrated and connected space. The lobby serves as a link between the Plaza de San Marcos, where it is accessed, and the rear garden. Its design incorporates stone flooring and a central hole that allows for visual connections between the two floors. A translucent wall, on which a metal staircase rests, acts as a welcoming statement and unifies the two levels.

The circulation within the lobby was also carefully considered in the design process. Pivoting glass doors were installed to seamlessly connect the two kitchens on the ground floor without disrupting the visual flow. This integration of circulation paths between the interior and exterior of the building enhances the efficiency of the space for both restaurant staff and customers.

The restoration project also involved changing the geometry of false ceilings and restoring historical elements. In the ground floor dining room, the roof was folded using an origami-inspired technique, creating a dynamic and intimate atmosphere. The lighting and air conditioning installations were meticulously planned to fit within the limited space above the folded ceiling. The expansion of open spaces towards the rear garden enhances the connection between the restaurant and the outdoor environment, enriching the overall gastronomic experience.

In terms of materials, the restoration team prioritized durability and timelessness. Wood, corten steel, stone, and glass were chosen for their nobility and aesthetic appeal. The selection of lighting, colors, and auxiliary furniture was carefully considered to enhance the user experience. The views from the dining rooms on both floors were optimized to showcase the back garden and the nearby church of San Marcos through well-placed window openings. Soft colors were used for the room finishes to create a distinct personality for each space.

The program of the restored building includes two kitchens, a cellar, and the main dining room on the ground floor. The main kitchen has a separate street entrance, and the grill area is visible from the lobby. The back garden, with its existing trees, was preserved and complemented with a new paving design and a corten steel and concrete enclosure. The restaurant's cellar is located along the pathway to the dining room and is designed as an independent island. The pass kitchen allows diners to observe the dish preparation process from their tables.

On the first floor, there is a kitchen connected to the ground floor by a separate staircase, a multipurpose room, a reserved dining area built above the garden, and other necessary service facilities. The installation of an elevator and careful attention to space dimensions ensure accessibility throughout the building. The restoration of the "Pilgrim's House" for Restaurant Cocinandos by the Virginiaarq architectural studio successfully transformed a historic building into a modern and inviting space for culinary excellence.

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