LaCol: Uniting Communities, Empowering Cooperation at La Comunal Espai Cooperatiu!

Revitalizing Barcelona's Industrial Heritage: La Comunal Espai Cooperatiu Shines as a Model of Adaptive Reuse

Located in the vibrant Sants district of Barcelona, La Comunal Espai Cooperatiu occupies an impressive half-block space within a protected industrial building that dates back to 1926. Originally designed for the manufacturing of naval sails, this historic structure has now transformed into a bustling workspace housing eight organizations, including the innovative Lacol.

In a remarkable intervention, the architectural team embarked on a mission to restore the building's initial geometry while rehabilitating its original constructions. To seamlessly blend the old with the new, a small yet distinctive addition was made to the dividing wall of neighbouring houses. The heart of the complex lies in its central courtyard, not only facilitating ventilation and natural light for the surrounding spaces but also acting as a central meeting point for individuals to connect and collaborate.

Throughout the renovation process, the existing buildings underwent minimal treatment, except for the restaurant and concert hall which received special attention. The roofs, after careful removal of asbestos-containing fibre cement, were adorned with corrugated galvanized steel sheets, serving as a visual differentiator between the original and added materials. A meticulous climate strategy was employed, focusing on three key aspects: air, water, and materials.

Air quality was improved by incorporating greenhouses, cleverly capturing the sun's heat and reducing the reliance on air conditioning. In terms of water conservation, a 5,000-liter tank was installed to harness rainwater from the roofs, effectively repurposing it for irrigation and cleaning purposes. As for the existing buildings, their energy efficiency and bioclimatic performance were significantly enhanced through meticulous intervention. Insulation played a pivotal role, with a lime and cork mortar mix chosen to ensure compatibility and align with the materials and techniques required for a heritage project. Notably, 1,200 linear meters of reclaimed joists were ingeniously repurposed as rakes for roof insulation, exemplifying the project's commitment to sustainability. Moreover, floors and other ground-contacting elements were carefully insulated using rigid insulation envelopes, sourced from the reputable sandwich panel industry.

La Comunal Espai Cooperatiu stands tall as a remarkable testament to adaptive reuse, breathing new life into Barcelona's industrial legacy. This architectural gem exemplifies the harmonious fusion of heritage preservation and contemporary design, serving as a beacon of inspiration for future adaptive reuse projects. By reclaiming and repurposing industrial spaces, La Comunal Espai Cooperatiu demonstrates the potential for sustainability, community engagement, and creative collaboration within urban environments.