Almazara Acesur

"Acesur Olive Mill: Innovation and Sustainability at the Heart of Olive Oil Production"

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This complex was designed to harmonize with the agricultural landscape, embodying a deep respect for the natural environment while employing innovative design strategies. Surrounded by farmland, industrial installations, and a nearby highway, the site posed the challenge of creating a meaningful architectural experience within a largely undefined, open setting. 

photo_credit Jesús Granada
Jesús Granada
photo_credit Jesús Granada
Jesús Granada
photo_credit Jesús Granada
Jesús Granada

The project draws inspiration from the organic forms found in nature. Observing the random scattering of olives on the ground after harvest influenced the foundational design approach, resulting in a cluster of buildings that echo the shape and positioning of olives. Each unit in the complex takes on a distinct hexagonal form, interconnected with purposefully placed interstices and varied heights to mimic the irregular beauty of natural landscapes. 

photo_credit Jesús Granada
Jesús Granada
photo_credit Jesús Granada
Jesús Granada
photo_credit Alfonso Mollinedo
Alfonso Mollinedo

Organic Integration and Functional Design 
This architectural concept is expressed through a sequence of asymmetrical hexagonal structures, which organically follow the land’s undulating topography. The design employs textured exteriors reminiscent of olive oil's earthy tones, helping the structures blend naturally into the environment. The micro-perforated metal façade provides functionality as well as beauty, with a 60 cm gap that allows for easy maintenance, integration of machinery, and passive solar shading. Curved and rotated panels further enhance the organic feel, grounding the complex in its rural setting. 

photo_credit Alfonso Mollinedo
Alfonso Mollinedo
photo_credit Jesús Granada
Jesús Granada
photo_credit Alfonso Mollinedo
Alfonso Mollinedo

The main entrance, accessible to the public, invites visitors into a hexagonal garden plaza bordered by a stone embankment, fostering a sense of separation from the surrounding industrial landscape. Here, guests find parking and are welcomed into the reception area, where they can explore a retail space, a landscaped courtyard, and an olive oil exhibition area. Flanked by modular buildings inspired by the olive blossom, this entrance leads visitors to conference areas, offices, labs, and other functional spaces through covered, transparent walkways that create a dynamic, interconnected visitor experience. 

photo_credit Francisco Sánchez
Francisco Sánchez
photo_credit Francisco Sánchez
Francisco Sánchez

Sustainable Practices and Energy Efficiency 
Sustainability was a central consideration in both the construction and operation of the mill. Excavated soil was repurposed to form artificial mounds and landscaped areas, emphasizing environmental respect and reducing waste. The complex also features rainwater harvesting tanks for irrigation, an array of photovoltaic panels, and high-efficiency HVAC systems. Native, drought-resistant plants were carefully chosen to minimize water usage, reinforcing the project’s commitment to ecological harmony. 

photo_credit Francisco Sánchez
Francisco Sánchez
photo_credit Francisco Sánchez
Francisco Sánchez

The 5,000 m² of constructed space and 24,000 m² of landscaped grounds aim to craft a new, integrated landscape where architecture, environment, and culture coexist. The olive groves surrounding the site further anchor the buildings in their cultural and natural context, creating a sense of continuity with the rich agricultural heritage of Jaén. 

photo_credit Francisco Sánchez
Francisco Sánchez
photo_credit Francisco Sánchez
Francisco Sánchez

A New Paradigm in Industrial Architecture 
The olive oil mill complex in Jabalquinto exemplifies a new paradigm for industrial architecture, one that prioritizes human experience, environmental integration, and cultural reverence. Its hexagonal forms, strategic voids, and textured façades allow the buildings to become “windows to the landscape,” making the surrounding fields an integral part of the architectural experience. This project highlights the potential of contemporary architecture to enhance industrial spaces, providing a more humane, aesthetically pleasing, and environmentally responsible approach that sets a new benchmark for similar projects in the future. 

photo_credit Jesús Granada
Jesús Granada
photo_credit Jesús Granada
Jesús Granada

Project credits

Photographers
Photographers
Metal Roof Systems and Facades

Product spec sheet

Metal Roof Systems and Facades
ceramic floor tiles
Aluminum carpentry

Project data

Project Year
2023
Category
Mills
Primary Building Material
Aluminium
Building Area
4966 m2
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