Structural care. Bofill Foundation Headquarters by GCA Architects
11/07/2023.
[BCN] Spain
metalocus, ADELA BONAS
metalocus, ADELA BONAS
Description of project by GCA Architects
Located in Barcelona's Eixample neighborhood, the refurbishment project transforms an old factory into diaphanous office spaces, adapting the building to the highest standards of comfort, aesthetics, functionality, and energy efficiency.
GCA Architects regards projects like these as thrilling opportunities to unveil the layers of history embedded in the city.
Built-in 1850, the 21x21m block stands as a testament to the industrial architecture of its time, representing a protected heritage example.
The design process began with a meticulous exploration of which building elements should be preserved and restored, carefully peeling away layers accumulated from decades of renovations. This approach allowed the essence of the building's character to emerge, highlighting its original structure.
Bofill Foundation Headquarters by GCA Architects. Photograph by José Hevia.
The new additions not only respect the existing but also stand in contrast to it, creating a clear distinction between the old and the new. An example of this strategy is the brick walls and wooden beams, which have been reinforced structurally with steel additions painted dark grey. Materials with neutral chromatic tones have been utilized in the meeting rooms, preserving the prominence of the original features.
The rhythm of the structure and windows of the existing building is emphasized by the transversal insertion of the technical lighting and installations. Through the superimposition of layers with different yet harmonic aesthetics, users can literally read the history between the lines formed on the ceiling.
Owing to the nature of the collaborative and flexible work of the client, the design brief called for flexible spaces that can transform to accommodate various scenarios.
Bofill Foundation Headquarters by GCA Architects. Photograph by José Hevia.
A series of movable panels and curtains allow for the free configuration of a 250-sim multipurpose event space on the ground floor. The central area of this space features a retractable projection surface, enabling its transformation into a screening room.
The existing staircase acts as a connecting thread, linking the upper co-working floors with the ground floor area, which comprises the kitchen facilities, reception area, and garden. The meticulous restoration of the façades unveils the minimalist polychromatic beauty of the original stucco.
The renovation has transformed the old factory into a highly energy-efficient building, achieving the highest energy efficiency rating, an A rating. In order to further improve its efficiency, 32 photovoltaic panels have been installed, which cover a significant portion of the building's energy expenses.
This transformative refurbishment project not only revitalizes a historic building but also celebrates the dynamic interplay between past and present, harmoniously weaving together architectural heritage and contemporary design.
GCA Architects, based in Barcelona, founded in 1986 by Josep Juanpere and Antonio Puig, is a study of architecture and interior design. Their management team is made up of seven partners and five young associates. With a trajectory of more than 35 years, they continue to design under a consolidated international dimension with works throughout the world.
Josep Juanpere.- He studied at the Technical Upper School of Architecture of Barcelona from 1970 to 1976. In 1986 he founds GCA architects with Antonio Puig. Antonio Puig.- He studied in the Technical Top School of Architecture of the Vallés from 1977 to 1984. In 1986 he founds GCA architects with Josep Juanpere.
GCA Architects has a multidimensional team of more than 100 professionals composed of senior architects, junior architects, building technicians, interior designers, consultants, project managers and communication specialists. In this way we guarantee that all projects are studied from start to finish and have all the experience of the company and its partners, as with all the freshness and innovation that new generations bring.