PROJECT DETAILS
The rehabilitation of the building was based on the premise of capitalising on the original structure to develop offices with bioclimatic and biophilic designs, focusing on enhancing well-being. The remodelling incorporated WICONA solutions, such as the WICTEC 50 curtain wall and WICLINE 65 evo CW windows.
The architectural firm Batlleiroig was tasked with rehabilitating this obsolete industrial building from the 1990s, which housed a dealership and a vehicle workshop, located on the border between the municipalities of Barcelona and l’Hospitalet de Llobregat. The result is an efficient, sustainable office building that prioritises well-being and enhances the relationship with the environment. The rehabilitation began on the principle of reusing the existing structure, which was in good condition and had the necessary load-bearing capacity for the building's new purpose. A crucial decision in line with sustainability principles, extending and improving the building's lifespan and doubling the time to offset its initial ecological impact from construction.
The demolition, guided by sustainable rehabilitation principles, involved dismantling the original façade, removing interior partitions, finishes and installations, and adding a two-level vertical extension in order to maximise the property's permitted development potential. In order to minimise the impact and reduce the need for structural reinforcements, a single assembly of interior columns was strengthened, and a new one was erected in front of the main façade to support a series of 32-metre-long metal trusses. These trusses support the new lightweight roof and slab work for the third floor, covering an office space of 1800 m2 without any structural pillars.
The building's entrance, located on a corner, features a porch raised above the street, creating a double-height covered area with a large curtain wall to maximise permeability and provide a direct visual connection to the lobby. The entrance hall's colours and finishes highlight the elements conserved from the original structure, such as the ceilings and pillars, which blend harmoniously with the new structure.
Inside, the stair cores and lifts are strategically positioned together, creating spacious, open areas that ensure flexibility of use.
WICONA's WICTEC 50 and WICLINE 65 evo CW solutions, ideal for creating the building's biophilic façade
During the renovation, the building's exterior —previously defined by a closed design and irregular features— was completely dismantled to create a façade that is more open, transparent and orderly, thereby improving lighting, ventilation and insulation. This was achieved by employing WICONA's WICTEC 50 façade system: a sophisticated mullion and transom solution featuring a minimally visible profile of just 50 mm and profile depths ranging from 50 to 260 mm, ideal to create façades with a unique appearance tailored to each project.
Meanwhile, the WICLINE 65 evo CW windows, set back from the façade, create terraces on every level, serving as leisure spaces integrated into the work environment. WICLINE 65 evo CW windows, which boast high thermal and acoustic performance and hold C2C Silver certification, simulate curtain wall aesthetics and make it easier to clean on the inside without auxiliary means. They have a visible width of 50 mm and greater interior depth for increased structural strength. Vegetation on the terraces takes centre stage, giving the building a new image thanks to a biophilic façade that promotes bioclimatic behaviour and helps reduce heat island effect. WICSTYLE 65 evo hinged doors have been installed, in keeping with the WICLINE 65 evo CW windows.
The new Lumen offices aim to be much more respectful of the environment, reducing the negative impact of construction during both the remodelling and usage phases. The initial premise of building upon the existing structure has effectively reduced energy consumption, CO2 emissions, waste and use of raw materials during the remodelling stages. Similarly, the WICONA solutions used are made from post-consumer recycled aluminium Hydro CIRCAL® 75R, averaging 1.9 kg of CO2 per kg of aluminium, thereby significantly reducing the carbon footprint from aluminium production (compared to the European average of 8.6 kg of CO2 per kg of aluminium). As for the use of the building, the roof, regarded as the fifth façade —once a source of pollution due to the presence of vehicles— has become green and productive, with landscaped areas and a photovoltaic pergola. Therefore, it contributes to electrical production and creates shaded areas to reduce solar gain and energy needs whilst transforming an old industrial building into Lumen: bioclimatic and efficient offices that improve well-being.
