David Chipperfield Architects Transforms Historic Santander Landmark into Faro Santander Museum

David Chipperfield Architects has completed the extensive renovation of the historic Pereda Building on the waterfront of Santander, Spain, transforming it into Faro Santander, a new center dedicated to art, culture, and technology. The project, which is set to open its doors on September 8, 2026, marks a significant architectural intervention that respects the building’s past while reimagining its future as a public cultural asset.

The Pereda Building, originally constructed in sections starting in 1795 and formerly serving as the headquarters for Banco Santander, is a protected landmark with a layered history. Its monumental exterior masked a compartmentalized interior, largely inaccessible to the public. The architectural firm’s intervention sought to reorganize these internal spaces, creating a more fluid and publicly engaging sequence that connects the building to the city and Santander Bay.

Reinterpreting the Building’s Core

A key element of the design is the reinterpretation of the building’s monumental central arch. David Chipperfield Architects has partially enclosed its upper level, transforming the void into a visible circulation spine. This architectural move guides visitors through the building, linking the exhibition floors and offering glimpses of movement from the entrance. New access points under the arch further emphasize its role as a gateway between the urban environment and the natural bay.

Internally, an exposed concrete spiral staircase initiates a progression of stairs that ascend through the arch, connecting the entrance level with the galleries above. The studio’s new additions are characterized by lightweight steel structures, creating a deliberate contrast with the robust mass and materiality of the existing historic fabric. This approach is evident in the enclosed arch and the rooftop pavilion, which offer panoramic views of the city and bay.

A New Hub for Art and Technology

Faro Santander will feature approximately 3,000 square meters dedicated to exhibition space across five levels. The upper floors will house a café terrace and a restaurant, providing spaces for visitors to relax while enjoying views of the surrounding landscape. The lower levels, including three basement floors, are designated for an auditorium, essential technical infrastructure, and the systems required to support the building’s new cultural programming.

This project represents David Chipperfield Architects’ first museum project completed in Spain. The transformation of the Pereda Building into Faro Santander not only creates a significant new cultural venue but also demonstrates a commitment to adaptive reuse, preserving the existing structure to minimize waste and embodied carbon associated with new construction.

Sustainable Design Strategies

The environmental strategy employed in the Faro Santander project is comprehensive. Beyond preserving the original structure, the intervention incorporates geothermal energy and a thermally activated building system for climate regulation. Additional sustainable features include green roofs, rainwater harvesting systems, dedicated cycling infrastructure, and a focus on recovering over 95 percent of construction waste. These measures have contributed to the project receiving a BREEAM Exceptional design-stage rating of 92.96, reportedly the highest ever recorded for a museum or cultural center.

The project’s success lies in its ability to seamlessly integrate contemporary design principles and functional requirements within the context of a historically significant building. Faro Santander is poised to become a vital cultural landmark, connecting architecture, art, and the city of Santander for residents and visitors alike.

Key facts
| Feature | Detail |
|—|—|
| Project Name | Faro Santander |
| Architect | David Chipperfield Architects |
| Location | Edificio Pereda, Santander, Cantabria, Spain |
| Client | Fundación Banco Santander |
| Opening Date | September 8, 2026 |
| BREEAM Rating | 92.96 (Exceptional) |

The revitalization of the Pereda Building as Faro Santander is a noteworthy development for architecture enthusiasts and urban planning professionals. It highlights innovative approaches to historic preservation, sustainable design, and the creation of public cultural spaces within existing urban fabric. The project’s emphasis on adaptive reuse and its high sustainability rating offer valuable insights into contemporary architectural practice.

Source: Designboom – david chipperfield revives historic waterfront landmark as new museum in spain – https://www.designboom.com/architecture/david-chipperfield-opens-a-historic-waterfront-building-as-a-new-museum-in-spain/

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