Almacén de los hermanos Peris Puig

In the charming town of Alzira, nestled within the Valencian Community of Spain, stands an architectural marvel that whispers tales of a bygone era. The Almacén de los Hermanos Peris Puig is a testament to the region's rich industrial heritage and the flourishing artistry of Valencian modernism. This historic building, located on Guadassuar Street, invites visitors to explore its storied past and admire its intricate design.

The Origins of Almacén de los Hermanos Peris Puig

Constructed in 1912, the Almacén de los Hermanos Peris Puig was the brainchild of renowned Valencian architect Emilio Ferrer Gisbert. Originally conceived as a warehouse dedicated to the burgeoning orange trade, this building played a crucial role in Alzira’s economic development. Its strategic location near the railway, built in 1852, positioned it at the heart of a small industrial hub that thrived independently from the town's historic core.

Though initially intended for the orange trade, the warehouse's purpose evolved over time. By the late 1920s, it had transformed into a cotton factory, a reflection of the dynamic shifts in local industry. However, as the decades passed, the building fell into disuse, its grandeur fading into memory. It wasn't until the 1990s that a comprehensive restoration breathed new life into the structure, repurposing it as a vibrant space for restaurants and cultural events.

Architectural Splendor

The Almacén de los Hermanos Peris Puig is a striking example of Valencian modernism, a style characterized by its ornate details and harmonious blend of materials. The building's rectangular layout is capped with a gabled roof, with entrances elegantly centered on each of its four façades. The primary façades are identical, showcasing a symmetrical design that draws the eye to a grand central archway, flanked by pilasters topped with pinnacles.

The façades are adorned with a series of vertically oriented windows, framed by moldings that add depth and dimension. These windows encircle the warehouse, allowing natural light to flood the interior while creating a rhythmic play of solid and void elements on the exterior. The façades are further enhanced by gables with stepped slopes and pilasters crowned with pinnacles, lending the building a sense of upward movement and grandeur.

Dynamic Design Elements

The lateral façades of the warehouse are equally captivating, featuring a modular repetition of elements that infuse the structure with a dynamic rhythm. Pilasters emerge from the façade, transforming into columns between the moldings that delineate the window series. Every fourth pilaster is crowned with an animal-shaped gargoyle, adding an element of whimsy and intrigue.

This rhythmic composition creates a façade that is both lively and harmonious, with significant elements such as pinnacles and gargoyles punctuating the structure. The interplay of volumes and shadows, emphasized by pilasters, cornices, and openings, results in a visually captivating experience for visitors.

Materials and Ornamentation

The building is predominantly constructed of brick, a material that lends it both strength and warmth. Stone is used to define the base, while cement, intricately molded, is employed for ornamental details. These include moldings, columns, pinnacles, and gargoyles, all of which contribute to the building's intricate aesthetic.

The roof is supported by entirely metal trusses and covered with polychrome flat tiles, adding a splash of color and texture to the structure. The modernist influence is evident in the building's overall form and texture, with vegetal motifs and the figure of the orange—a nod to its original purpose—appearing in the ceramic friezes of the pilasters, the moldings of the capitals, and the details of the wrought ironwork.

Visiting Today

Today, the Almacén de los Hermanos Peris Puig stands as a restored beacon of cultural and architectural significance. Visitors can explore its unique blend of history and modernity, as it serves as a venue for dining and events. The building's restoration has preserved its historic charm while adapting it for contemporary use, making it a must-see destination for those exploring Alzira.

Stepping inside, one can almost hear the echoes of bustling workers and the rustle of trade that once defined this space. The Almacén de los Hermanos Peris Puig is more than just a building; it is a living testament to the enduring spirit of innovation and artistry that defines the Valencian Community. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast or a curious traveler, this remarkable edifice promises a journey through time and an unforgettable glimpse into Alzira's industrious past.