Forkstone Renovation

Forkstone Renovation
© Pol Viladoms

Forkstone Renovation

LoCa Studio

ARCHITECTS
LoCa Studio

LEAD ARCHITECT
Daniel Lorenzo, Carlota Casanova

CONSTRUCTION
RMR Retail

DESIGN TEAM
Roser Roca, Michele Ruggiero, Helen Wrobel

MANUFACTURERS
GIRA, Grohe, Balay, Forbo Flooring, Franke, Laes, Luxlight, MONTO, Spain, Roca

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
Otg3

PHOTOGRAPHS
Pol Viladoms

AREA
1600 m²

YEAR
2023

LOCATION
Barcelona, Spain

CATEGORY
Adaptive Reuse

Text description provided by the architects.

Reconversion of an old industrial space/parking lot into modern offices, in Espai Serrahima, Barcelona.

Forkstone Renovation
© Pol Viladoms
Forkstone Renovation
© Pol Viladoms

In Espai Serrahima (a hub of artistic-cultural companies), a few steps from Montjuïc and Plaza España, this old industrial warehouse has been transformed to accommodate new workspaces.

On top of an old textile factory, during the 70s a metal structure was built that hangs over a previous brick construction.

Forkstone Renovation
© Pol Viladoms
Forkstone Renovation
© Pol Viladoms

This space served as a parking lot, warehouse, and scientific-culinary laboratory, among other activities, before the office adaptation project was carried out.

The renovation transforms the space by enhancing its own identity and emphasizing the peculiarities of the construction and the location. Improving thermal and acoustic comfort, natural ventilation, and identification with the location are a priority.

Forkstone Renovation
© Pol Viladoms
Forkstone Renovation
© Pol Viladoms

Forkstone's project emphasizes the dimension of the interior space and the unique structure, freeing it from interior divisions and favoring the relationship with the exterior through new large openings towards the courtyard.

The sequence of these openings relates the resulting large interior space to the surroundings of Fira, Montjuïc, and Plaza España.

These new openings allow natural light and ventilation into a previously blind facade, contrasting with the series of narrow windows on Carrer Mèxic that protected the previous industrial activities from the exterior.

Forkstone Renovation
© Pol Viladoms
Forkstone Renovation
© Pol Viladoms
Forkstone Renovation
© Pol Viladoms

To accommodate the new activity, facilities, and services are updated.

Coinciding with the variation of the facade and structure of the existing building in its adaptation to the urban fabric, a meeting area is arranged, an office linked to a covered outdoor space, as well as a toilet area that faces Carrer Mèxic.

Forkstone Renovation
© Pol Viladoms
Forkstone Renovation
© Pol Viladoms

In these new spaces, strategies, and materials are used that reinforce the character of the previous industrial space that hosts them, while aiming to increase the relationship with the exterior.

Sheets and mirrors in the toilets and three-layer fir boards in the coffee areas are joined by continuous natural linoleum flooring that contrasts with the strength and hardness of the concrete and metal structure that house them.

The measured use of color, the interest in liberating and highlighting the unique structure, the scale of the space, its industrial past, and restrained actions with cheerful materials and solutions create a vibrant and fun result.

Forkstone Renovation
© Pol Viladoms
Forkstone Renovation
© Pol Viladoms

A transformation that aims for the enjoyment and participation of the new occupants in the privileged location with great comfort.


Forkstone Renovation
© Pol Viladoms
Forkstone Renovation
© Pol Viladoms


Forkstone Renovation
Plan
Forkstone Renovation
Site plan


Forkstone Renovation
Section
Forkstone Renovation
Section
Forkstone Renovation
Drawing