One of the leading urban-waste management companies in Spain is looking to develop a state-of-the-art project – a technological innovation institute and a visitor centre dedicated to investigating the use of waste as an alternative energy source. Prototypes will be developed on-site to examine various technologies. The chosen location in Zaragoza is an old and currently disused incineration warehouse at the waste-treatment centre of the Recycling Technology Park. The tender term-sheet called for an innovative, high-tech building with a unique character reflecting the groundbreaking nature of the project while taking advantage of the existing infrastructure. Our proposal explores the possibilities offered by the roof as a key architectural feature for achieving the objective: modifying the silhouette of a conventional warehouse in a conventional industrial environment. A system of suitably positioned skylights enhances the quality of the space and incorporates natural ventilation and solar control. The building revolves around the prototype-testing platform outside, onto which it opens, giving a general overview of the complex, where the various parts are laid out on a board and organised in a sequence. Oak lattices and aluminium panels are used as sun-screens.