PROGRAM: Commercial, Office
AREA: 869 m²
LOCATION: Barcelona
STATUS: Completed
TIMEFRAME: 2020–2022
Vilalta Studio’s headquarters transforms an existing building in Barcelona into a workplace conceived as a laboratory for the studio’s ideas. Rather than starting from new construction, the project works with what is already there, extending the life of the building and using adaptive reuse as a design tool.
The original two-story warehouse was in a state of disrepair, with only a small staircase connecting the two levels.
Functionally, the decision was made to create a pedestrian entrance from Jaume Brossa Street, dedicating the upper floor as a spacious, open-plan workplace—free of divisions and hierarchies.
To unify both floors, we introduced a double-height central space by removing 6×6 meters of the existing structure. This void establishes a clear visual and functional connection between the levels.
The removed structure was repurposed to reconstruct the exterior area, transforming it into an inviting entrance garden.
This garden features bamboo, aromatic plants, and two olive trees, with built-in planters that double as benches. The greenery enhances the sensory experience, offering a place for social interaction and connection with nature.
The interior is bathed in natural light through a large north-facing opening and a south-facing skylight equipped with photovoltaic glass. Bamboo and steel furniture, handcrafted in-house, further reflect the project’s sustainable ethos.
The upper floor is dedicated to a large workspace: open, non-hierarchical and articulated by an entrance area that connects with a double-height void. This central opening not only organises the space, but also allows light and activity to be shared between the different levels.
The ground floor houses the meeting space, with an open multifunctional agora, meeting rooms and a classroom, creating a social area that encourages interaction between users. The double-height space facilitates functional and visual connection between the two floors, reinforcing the idea of community and allowing work and interaction to unfold in a continuous and fluid way.
One of the most symbolic features is a vertical plant sculpture connecting the two floors. Beyond its visual impact, it serves as an air filter and humidifier, operating 24 hours a day.
SUSTAINABILITY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY
ENERGY SELF-SUFFICIENCY
The large skylight with photovoltaic glass on the south side of the roof serves three purposes: providing thermal input in winter, offering controlled lighting as the cells act as a brise-soleil, and generating energy.
The skylight produces 2.5 kW, which is supplemented by a solar field of 22.5 kW, adding up to a total of 25 kW that consistently supports our energy consumption. Therefore, we can say that we are energetically self-sufficient.
The energy system is paired with high-efficiency climate control, using a centralized VRF system on the roof. Large interior units distribute air through exposed ducts in the main space, with return air flowing through integrated vents in the cabinetry and grilles. This setup ensures constant air circulation, refreshed via a heat recovery system to maintain energy efficiency.
The studio also features LED lighting and a Simon smart automation system that optimizes lighting schedules throughout the day.
This new studio embodies the essence of our architectural philosophy while enabling us to expand into related fields. It is a space where innovation, sustainability, and craftsmanship converge, reflecting our commitment to creating meaningful designs.
DIRECTOR: Xavier Vilalta
PROJECT LEADER: Oscar Farré
PROJECT TEAM: Federico Melis, Larisa Astancai, Vincenzo Fernandes, Maria Deinega
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING: Albert Alsina
MEP ENGINEERING: Enclau Enginyeria
CONTRACTOR: Eco Group
PHOTOGRAPHY: Raquel Pérez