Historic timber framed courtyard houses: Origin and development of the corralas in Madrid (1494-1908)

Buildings in the historic city of Madrid, the area within the fourth wall, were most timber-framed (1494–1868). The corrala is a unique construction type, as some timbered structures are not hidden. They consist of a plot where a patio, with shared facilities and timber-framed opened corridors leading to small dwellings placed around it, stands as the essential constructive element. These buildings are believed to have been built since the 1600s and spread mainly in the north and south historic boroughs linked to the first factories, in the 1800s. Despite its great architectural value their origin and development are still unknown, and the date of construction is known just for a few. A research carried out in the Historical Archive of the town of Madrid reveals some key case studies from first timber-framed construction types to the latest ones (1737–1908), including also some built with the new iron structures.