Madrid, Spain
Once a defining feature of Madrid’s skyline, the Torres de Colón—built in 1968 with a groundbreaking suspended structural system—had fallen into obsolescence by 2020. Today, they stand as Spain’s first Nearly Zero Energy Business Towers (nZEB), setting a new standard for urban sustainability and design while transforming a heritage-protected landmark into an iconic symbol of contemporary Madrid.
New Colón Towers by luis vidal + architects, received an 2025 International Architecture Honourable Mention from The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design.
The renewal vision addressed limited leasable space and outdated infrastructure, aiming to boost market value through higher rental prices and modernize functionality without compromising architectural heritage. Central to this was a core redesign that relocated elevators to adjacent structures, freeing space for fire-escape stairs and restrooms to enhance floor efficiency. Connecting the towers on each floor expanded usable area from 3,200 sq. ft. per tower to 9,000 sq. ft. total, raising efficiency from 64% to 82%. The outdated lobby and mezzanine were repurposed into premium spaces, topped by a striking new level with curved glass and panoramic views.
Sustainability demanded bold innovations for the five-decade-old structure: the sepia double façade was replaced with sleek glass panels to improve daylight and views, while new HVAC systems, raised floors, repurposed groundwater for landscaping, and advanced acoustic insulation created a high-performance, energy-generating building. Structural deformities in the suspended design were resolved using self-supporting curved glass panels, enabling an open-plan top level without external columns for four luxurious floors offering 360-degree vistas.
Enhanced user experience now caters to tenants and visitors with expanded outdoor spaces—turning inaccessible terraces into open-air areas and ground-level public gardens that link the towers to the city. A street-level entrance replaced the basement entry for better accessibility, complemented by ten high-tech elevators, panoramic terraces, and wellness facilities that promote balance, productivity, and community collaboration.
Located between the Salamanca district and Plaza de Colón, the New Colón Towers drive economic and cultural growth in hospitality, retail, and entertainment. They celebrate Madrid’s history through their innovative suspended structure, foster public engagement with transparent façades and art installations, and lead sustainability as nZEB office towers.
The redesigned New Colón Towers epitomize heritage fused with forward-thinking design—their curved glass, energy-efficient systems, and public spaces position them as a premier real estate asset and skyline beacon. This project shows renewal reimagines a building’s urban role, symbolizing sustainability, cultural relevance, and economic vitality.
Architects: luis vidal + architects
Lead Architect: Luis Vidal
Design Team: Antonio Albertos, Tatiana Blas, Alfredo de Blas, Carmen Andujar, Trinidad Antunovic, Gonzalo Casado, Marta Cumellas, Beatriz Eyries, José Benito, Jorge Ferreiro, David Fernández Feito, Isabel Gil, Carlos González, Sandra González, Julio Isidro Lozano, Peru Medem, Vicente Navarro, Eduardo Prida, Xell Ortí, Enrique Pérez, Judith Ramón, Carlo Rizzi, Isabel Rodrigo, Patricia Roja, Irene Rojo, Francisco Rojo, Martín Rivas, Cristina Sánchez, Manuel Sánchez de Ocaña, Francisco Sanjuan, Javier Torrado, Oscar Torrejón, Ítalo Veas, Luis Vidal
Landscape Architects: Liquidambar
General Contractor: Dragados
Client: Mutua Madrileña Group
Photographs: Courtesy of the Architects
