Located in Espai Serrahima, a hub for artistic and cultural companies, this former industrial building has been renovated to serve as a contemporary workspace. The building was originally a textile factory, with a concrete-and-steel addition constructed in the 1970s, giving the complex an eclectic character within Barcelona. Over the years, the space was repeatedly transformed, accommodating uses ranging from parking and warehousing to a culinary research center before its conversion into office space.
Designed to work with the building’s existing architecture rather than replace it, the project builds on the spatial and material qualities already present.
Existing structure as a carbon resource
The project adopts adaptive reuse as its primary environmental strategy. By retaining the original concrete and steel structure, the renovation reduces embodied carbon associated with demolition, structural reconstruction, and material replacement.
The existing industrial framework, including much of the cracked concrete flooring, was preserved and incorporated into the final design. This approach minimized construction waste and avoided emissions typically associated with new structural systems and finish materials. Instead of introducing a fully rebuilt office interior, the design selectively inserts only the elements required for the new program.
The intervention follows what the architects describe as a process of “removing the superfluous,” allowing the scale, roughness, and openness of the former industrial space to remain visible.
Daylight, ventilation, and operational performance
Operational improvements were achieved primarily through passive environmental strategies rather than technologically intensive systems.
Existing facade openings were enlarged in line with the rhythm of the steel structure, increasing daylight penetration and improving natural ventilation across the deep industrial floorplate. The larger openings reconnect the interior with the surrounding urban landscape, providing views toward Plaza de España and the rear industrial zones of the Barcelona Fair complex.
Increased access to daylight reduces dependence on artificial lighting during working hours, while improved cross ventilation contributes to lower cooling demand and improved indoor comfort. Thermal and acoustic upgrades were integrated into the renovation to improve workplace performance without compromising the industrial identity of the building.
Minimal intervention and spatial flexibility
The renovation avoids highly specialized planning solutions in favor of a neutral and adaptable spatial organization. Internal divisions were removed to create a large open-plan workspace capable of accommodating future changes in use without major demolition.
Inserted elements remain lightweight and visually distinct from the original shell. Meeting rooms, sanitary spaces, and service components are treated as independent additions rather than permanent transformations of the building fabric. This strategy supports long-term flexibility and extends the functional lifespan of the structure.
The use of color and emphasis on the structure, scale, and industrial history of the space, along with selected materials, create a distinct interior atmosphere. The transformation was designed to provide comfort for occupants while responding to the location and character of the space.
Acoustic comfort within the industrial interior
A large component of the retrofit focused on improving acoustic conditions within the large-volume industrial space. The project incorporates the Rockfon Blanka X ceiling system, selected for its acoustic absorption performance and reflective white surface.
The intervention reduced reverberation time from approximately 2.8 seconds to 0.7 seconds, improving speech intelligibility and workplace concentration. The ceiling system also improves daylight distribution by reflecting natural light deeper into the interior, contributing to reduced artificial lighting demand.
Durable materials
The material palette combines retained industrial surfaces with durable, low-maintenance additions. Existing concrete flooring was preserved across most of the office, while natural linoleum flooring from Forbo Flooring Systems was introduced in selected areas to define activity zones and circulation. Manufactured from renewable raw materials, the linoleum flooring contributes to a lower environmental impact.
Additional systems from Roca, GROHE, and Gira were selected for durability, water efficiency, and long service life. Touch-free sanitary fixtures help reduce operational water consumption while improving hygiene and maintenance performance.
Circular design strategies
Circular economy principles are integrated through preservation, disassembly potential, and reversible construction methods. The project avoids permanent or highly customized interventions that would limit future adaptation.
Several inserted components, including acoustic systems and lightweight partitions, can be removed or replaced independently of the original structure. This approach allows future reconfiguration while preserving the industrial shell as a long-term spatial resource.
