Rehabilitation of Can Luna Industrial Complex by Nil Brullet Arquitectura + Maria Morillo Sedó

The Rehabilitation of Can Luna Industrial Complex in La Garriga, Spain, by Nil Brullet Arquitectura and Maria Morillo Sedó, transforms a historic industrial site into a vibrant cultural landmark. Once an emblem of industrial heritage, the Can Luna complex is now envisioned as a socio-cultural hub that reconnects the town with its past while opening new opportunities for community engagement.

Historical Context and Urban Relevance

Located northwest of La Garriga and adjacent to the Congost River, the Can Luna industrial complex occupies a strategic position at the edge of the urban fabric. Its rehabilitation not only preserves the architectural character of the warehouses but also establishes a new urban space where industrial memory and civic life intersect.

The city council’s masterplan foresees the transformation of the three warehouses in phases. The first completed phase focuses on the central nave, designed as a multi-purpose space capable of hosting cultural programs, public events, and community activities.

Key Design Strategies

One of the most significant interventions was the recovery of the central courtyard through the demolition of annexed volumes. This strategy restored the original spatial clarity of the complex, giving the courtyard an urban scale and reinforcing its role as a collective gathering space with direct access to the warehouses.

A defining architectural gesture is the construction of a new access gallery that organizes circulation across the complex. Beyond its functional role, the gallery acts as a climate-responsive system—capturing solar radiation in winter, ventilating through skylights in summer, and using vegetation and overhangs to regulate light and temperature. This sustainable approach highlights the project’s commitment to adaptive reuse and environmental performance.

Preservation and Transformation of Hall B

Inside Hall B, the rehabilitation emphasized preservation of its most iconic architectural element—the ceramic roof supported by robust wooden trusses. To adapt the structure to contemporary standards, trusses and purlins were reinforced while maintaining their expressive character.

Another major intervention was the demolition of window sills, creating larger openings that improve daylight penetration and allow multiple entry points. Restored façade windows frame views toward the river and courtyard, while the interplay between new transparency and original industrial walls fosters a strong visual permeability. This establishes seamless connections between the courtyard, gallery, interior halls, and surrounding green landscapes.

A Cultural Catalyst for the Future

By balancing careful preservation with innovative transformation, the Rehabilitation of Can Luna demonstrates how industrial heritage can be reinterpreted for contemporary use. The project provides La Garriga with a flexible cultural venue, while its phased development ensures that future expansions remain coherent with the overall vision.

The result is a project that not only revitalizes an architectural landmark but also strengthens the identity of the town, creating a dynamic civic and cultural nucleus rooted in history yet open to the future.

All Photographs are works of  Andrés Flajszer