ESPAI HB Office: HB Estudi d’Arquitectura: Transforming an Industrial Warehouse into a Bright, Contemporary Workspace

Located in Algemesí, Spain, the ESPAI HB Office by HB Estudi d’Arquitectura is a masterful example of adaptive reuse, transforming an old, dark warehouse into a spacious, luminous, and highly functional office environment. Completed in 2023, this 893 ft² project blends contemporary architectural trends with respect for historical construction elements, creating a workspace that is both inspiring and comfortable. Lead architects Juan Hernández Girbés and Ester Blasco Luján designed the project with meticulous attention to materiality, light, and environmental comfort, producing an office that reflects the identity of HB Estudi while embracing modern design principles.

Adaptive Reuse and Space Planning

The central design strategy for the ESPAI HB Office focused on maximizing natural light and spatial openness. At the heart of the office lies a courtyard that serves as the main source of illumination, bringing daylight to all surrounding work areas. By eliminating unnecessary partitions, the layout fosters a fluid, collaborative environment where a central work zone seamlessly connects to a meeting area. Ancillary spaces, such as a compact kitchen, provide functionality without compromising openness, supporting staff well-being and comfort during project workflows.

This open-plan layout exemplifies contemporary office design, emphasizing interaction, flexibility, and efficiency. It also showcases how adaptive reuse can maintain the authenticity of an existing building while accommodating modern work requirements.

Preserving Heritage Through Materiality

Materiality plays a crucial role in the ESPAI HB Office. The renovation retains the original wooden beams, joists, and masonry, celebrating the building’s industrial past. Contrasting materials subtly distinguish new architectural interventions from existing structures. This careful balance, preserving heritage while introducing modernity, is a hallmark of HB Estudi’s design philosophy.

A hidden horizontal plane separates the original from the new materials, creating a seamless transition that is felt rather than seen. The combination of exposed brickwork, natural wood, and contemporary finishes contributes to an environment that feels authentic, warm, and visually engaging.

Lighting Design: Natural and Artificial Harmony

Lighting was a central challenge, as the original warehouse was notably dark. The courtyard brings abundant natural light into the heart of the office, while a secondary glass entrance door enhances illumination without compromising the historic wooden door’s aesthetic.

Artificial lighting is strategically integrated, highlighting textures of brickwork and beams. Indirect lighting enhances material depth, creating a visually dynamic environment while ensuring adequate illumination for daily work tasks. This balance between natural and artificial lighting fosters productivity and comfort, aligning with contemporary architectural lighting strategies.

Comfort and Sustainable Climate Solutions

Beyond aesthetics, comfort is a guiding principle of ESPAI HB Office’s design. The workspace integrates aerothermal energy systems, providing efficient underfloor heating in winter and cooling during summer months through air conditioning. These subtle interventions create a year-round comfortable environment without intrusive mechanical installations, reinforcing the office’s minimal yet functional design ethos.

Collaboration, Identity, and Workplace Experience

The ESPAI HB Office demonstrates how thoughtful architectural design can enhance workplace identity, comfort, and creativity. By merging heritage preservation with contemporary trends, HB Estudi d’Arquitectura has created a space that reflects the studio’s values while addressing the practical needs of a modern office.

Manufacturers and Key Products

The project utilized high-quality products from leading manufacturers, including JUNG (LS 990 Light Switches), Neolith, Kave Home, Altas Concorde, Poalgi, Ramon Soler, VIVES CERAMICA, and software solutions from CYPE Ingenieros S.A. and ZWCAD SOFTWARE CO., ensuring durability, functionality, and aesthetic excellence.

All photographs are works of  Alejandro Gómez Vives