In the recent second edition of the A&U Awards held in Cuenca, the emerging talent of sisters Ara and Noa González Cabrera was prominently recognized. These young architects from Valladolid won the COACM Emerging Prize in the Rehabilitation category for their impressive work on the ‘Casa de la Sevillana’, located in Sisante, Cuenca. This award celebrates the contribution of architects under 40 years old who, according to the jury, have managed to “ignite and accentuate the pre-existence, generating contemporary spaces.”
The recognition highlights the skill and vision of the González Cabrera sisters, who are committed to projecting a sustainable and responsible future in the architectural field. Ara González Cabrera expressed that receiving an award outside their home community, Castilla y León, gives them renewed energy for their early projects. Additionally, she noted that these awards are a valuable tool for evaluating their work and represent satisfaction for their clients.
Their achievement coinciding with the celebration of World Architecture Day, under the theme “we plan the future now,” resonates with their professional approach. Ara González Cabrera emphasized that the current generation of young architects is fully committed to sustainable design, aware of the long-term impact of their creations.
The rehabilitation of the ‘Casa de la Sevillana’, a notable 17th-century building, was made possible thanks to a young entrepreneur committed to rural development. The project, built by the Carrilero brothers, local masons, reflects a comprehensive effort where personal commitment was essential.
The architects strived to preserve the building’s original essence, removing superfluous elements and reinforcing the existing structure. They also integrated sustainability principles through energy improvements and the use of local materials, working hand in hand with regional craftsmen to maintain tradition while introducing a modern design approach.
The challenge of rehabilitating this Casa Palacio presented a unique opportunity for Ara and Noa to blend history with modernity. This work not only revitalizes a historic space but also demonstrates how emerging architects can leave a significant mark on today’s architectural landscape.
