Despatx by Sagristà-Simó: A Minimalist Workspace that Blends Architecture and Life

Located in La Puebla, Spain, Despatx—meaning “office” in Catalan—is more than a traditional architectural workspace. Designed by Sagristà-Simó, this 110-square-meter project redefines the boundaries between professional practice, creative collaboration, and everyday living. It is a place where architects, clients, and friends converge in a setting that distills the essence of the firm's architectural philosophy: material honesty, spatial continuity, and contextual harmony.

A Thoughtful Adaptive Reuse Project

Preserving the original party walls and the historic main façade, the architects approached the renovation with restraint and precision. Rather than impose a new identity, they chose to reveal the constructive potential of the existing structure. The intervention focuses on adaptation—carefully tailoring the interior to suit the demands of an architecture office, while enhancing the emotional and experiential quality of the space.

Material Simplicity and Spatial Fluidity

The project embraces a minimalist material palette composed of exposed stone, metal structures, wood, and glass. These elements are not decorative but structural and spatially defining. Their interaction creates a unified and coherent architectural language throughout the space.

Vertical circulation, marked by a sleek stairwell and parallel shelving systems, defines the flow of the interior. The design maximizes linearity and reduces unnecessary geometry, allowing natural light to articulate the volumes. Large, floor-to-ceiling openings and side-to-side transparency allow seamless transitions between spaces, reinforcing a sense of openness and connection.

The Role of the Courtyard

At the heart of the composition lies a courtyard, not only as a passive green space but as an active architectural tool. It functions as a landscape regulator, framing views, modulating light, and blurring the division between interior and exterior. The courtyard becomes a filter—a carefully curated lens through which the building interacts with its urban and natural context.

A Workspace with a Personal Soul

This project is more than just an office; it is a manifesto for architectural living. Despatx fosters creativity, community, and critical thinking. By merging the professional with the personal, it embodies a sustainable model of architectural practice—rooted in craftsmanship, spatial awareness, and a deep respect for the built environment.