The practice has completed the renovation and rework of the Paseo de Pereda Building in the seaside city of Santander in northern Spain as the new museum and cultural centre, Faro Santander, due to open to the public on 8 September 2026.
The 10-storey building will house the Banco Santander Collection of art, which spans over a thousand works, alongside temporary exhibitions and installations.
The renovated interior provides over 10,000m² of usable floor space across 10 floors, of which some 3,000m² is set aside for galleries distributed across five floors. The top two floors will feature a roof terrace café and restaurant, while three basement levels will house an auditorium and building facilities.
The building, the oldest part of the which dates back to 1795, has been gradually expanded over the years. Its east wing was originally a 19th-century residential building, converted into Banco Santander’s headquarters in 1923. A major expansion took place in 1961, with a replica of the original building, designed by architect Javier González de Riancho, built on the west side and linked to the eastern part by an arch spanning Calle Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola.
The biggest transformation is to the interior, which had over years become compartmentalised. The central arch has been reimagined as the building’s central spine, thanks to the partial enclosure of its upper section, off which sits the main circulation of the building, including an exposed concrete spiral staircase, linking up to the gallery spaces. New additions include a lightweight steel roof-top pavilion.
The project, from which over 95 per cent of construction waste was recovered, has an innovative climate-control system combining geothermal energy with thermally activated building systems. It also incorporates green roofs and reuses rainwater for irrigation. The building has achieved a BREEAM Outstanding certification. The score of 96 is the world’s highest registered by a museum or cultural space.
David Chipperfield first revealed designs for the public art gallery in 2019. The bank, which was based in the building for 95 years, has moved its headquarters to the nearby Banesto building, remodelled by Spanish architects Antonio Cruz and Antonio Ortiz.
Chipperfield’s other work in Spain includes The America’s Cup Building in Valencia, a base for the world’s premier sailing racing competition, nominated for the RIBA Stirling Prize in 2007.
Architect’s view
Architecturally, it boasts a complex and multi-layered history. We focused on rethinking the spaces and connections a public building needs, while recognising that the real significance of the project lies in the institution’s commitment to openness, culture and participation. Changing the building’s use is an act of generosity and foresight, one that acknowledges the importance of cultural institutions not only as guardians of art and heritage but as active protagonists in civic life. The project is the result of a shared ambition to reimagine Banco Santander’s former offices as a civic and cultural space for the city.
David Chipperfield, founder and principal, David Chipperfield Architects
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Source: David Chipperfield Architects
Client’s view
The transformation was about pursuing our vision of creating a cultural centre that is open to everyone – somewhere that is welcoming and accessible, with wonderfully diverse and high-quality spaces, where every visitor can enjoy a truly unique experience.
Daniel Vega Pérez de Arlucea, director, Faro Santander
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Source: David Chipperfield Architects
Project data
Location Santander, Spain
Start on site 2018
Completion 2026
Gross internal floor area 10,400m2
Gross (internal + external) floor area 11,200m²
Procurement Via competition (2017-18)
Construction cost Undisclosed
Architect David Chipperfield Architects London, David Chipperfield Architects Santiago de Compostela
Client Banco Santander
Structural engineer Bernabeu Ingenieros & IDOM
M&E consultant Úrculo Ingenieros Consultores & IDOM
QS iMarq & IDOM
Landscape consultant Javier Mariategui
Acoustic consultant Margarida Acústica
Project manager Banco Santander
Principal designer David Chipperfield Architects
Main contractor Ferrovial