LOOM Ferretería Pere IV – Industrial Building Renovation by Daniel Mòdol

The LOOM Ferretería Pere IV Industrial Building Renovation by Daniel Mòdol is a landmark project in Barcelona’s 22@ district, a neighborhood undergoing transformation from its industrial past into a hub of creativity, technology, and sustainability. This adaptive reuse project reimagines the former Balius hardware store—founded in 1914—into a modern, flexible workspace that balances industrial heritage with contemporary architectural innovation.

Historical Context and Adaptive Reuse

The original five-story building, constructed in the 1970s, carried unique structural details including a metal framework and a Catalan vault. Instead of erasing its history, the renovation preserves these defining elements, weaving them into a new narrative of urban renewal. By embracing adaptive reuse, the project contributes to the 22@ district’s goal of revitalizing obsolete industrial sites into sustainable urban environments.

Architectural Strategy

Preserving the Past, Designing for the Future

The renovation focused on retaining character-defining features while introducing modular, modern construction. Traditional materials such as ceramics, iron, and wood were integrated with prefabricated modular systems to accelerate construction and align with the surrounding residential environment.

Façade Transformation

• The main façade was carefully removed to expose the existing structure, creating a striking dialogue between old and new.
• The interior façade adopts a gallery typology with natural wood and glass carpentry, complemented by an industrial metal planter façade that introduces greenery and vitality.
• A distinctive green color scheme highlights the structural elements and ironwork, echoing the building’s historic palette.

Functional Layout

• Fourth Floor Terrace: A façade setback creates an outdoor meeting space, blending indoor collaboration with open-air interaction.
• Natural Light & Ventilation: Openings in the façade, a central patio, and the reconfigured stairwell shaft maximize daylight and airflow across workspaces.

Sustainable Design and Urban Integration

The project prioritizes sustainability and user well-being:

• Achieved LEED certification for environmental performance.
• Connected to Barcelona’s district heating and cooling (DHC) system.
• Integrated with the pneumatic waste collection network for efficient urban management.
• Local, durable materials reduce the carbon footprint while enhancing harmony with the neighborhood’s fabric.

By merging industrial heritage with green building strategies, the renovation not only creates a functional workplace but also strengthens the district’s identity as a model of urban regeneration.

The LOOM Ferretería Pere IV renovation exemplifies how adaptive reuse architecture can transform industrial relics into contemporary, sustainable workspaces. By respecting history while integrating innovative design and green strategies, Daniel Mòdol has delivered a project that redefines the future of Barcelona’s urban architecture.

All Photographs are works of Jordi Bernadó y LOOM