Sustainable Office Architecture in Barcelona: A111 Offices by Batlleiroig

The A111 Offices in Barcelona, designed by Batlleiroig, exemplify a modern approach to sustainable architecture. Located in the vibrant 22@ district, this project embraces green urban development while paying homage to the area’s industrial history. With its LEED Platinum and WiredScore certifications, the building sets a new standard for eco-friendly office spaces in Barcelona.

A Legacy Rooted in History

Built on the former site of the "Galletas Viñas" factory, the A111 Offices merge seamlessly with the adjacent historic structures. The design respects the industrial heritage of the Poblenou neighborhood by incorporating oxidized facades reminiscent of brick constructions and embracing the traditional chamfered corners of Barcelona’s Eixample district.

A Vision for the Future City

Batlleiroig’s design philosophy prioritizes human-centric spaces and urban greenery. With cascading vegetation on terraces and the façade, the building integrates harmoniously into the surrounding green axes, aligning with Barcelona’s pedestrian-friendly initiatives like the Almogàvers axis.

Green Features Promoting Biodiversity

A standout feature of the A111 Offices is the emphasis on biodiversity. The project includes:

• 1,380 m² of lush terraces with native plants.
• A rooftop garden fostering ecological balance.
• Vegetation cascading down the facade, blending the building with urban greenery.

These design elements do more than beautify; they actively enhance air quality, regulate temperature, and promote biodiversity in the urban landscape.

Innovative Design and Energy Efficiency

Facade and Solar Protection

The building's facade incorporates adjustable slats that vary in density based on orientation. This dynamic system achieves:

• Reduced solar heat gain.
• Energy efficiency by minimizing artificial cooling and lighting needs.
• A visually striking interplay of light and shadow throughout the day.

Open Floor Plans

The interior layout features wide spans of 17.55 meters between columns, offering exceptional flexibility for workspace configurations. Columns placed along the facade optimize usable office space while balancing glazed and opaque surfaces for enhanced energy performance.

Connecting People and Nature

At the heart of the A111 Offices is the idea of biophilic design, fostering connections between occupants and nature:

• Expansive terraces on chamfer corners provide outdoor interaction spaces.
• A large water feature at the entrance creates a cooling island effect and enhances user experience.
• Communal areas are designed with natural materials like wood, ensuring comfort and sustainability.

Transparency and Community Integration

The ground floor exemplifies permeability and transparency, blending private and public spaces through a 30-meter-wide central porch. This passage encourages pedestrian interaction and acts as a sheltered multi-functional area, making the building more inclusive and accessible.

Enhanced Security Through Design

The large glass facade on the ground floor provides direct visual connections between the street and the interior, creating a safer and more inviting environment for both pedestrians and occupants.

Health and Well-Being at the Core

Circadian Lighting

Dynamic slats on the facade cast moving shadows throughout the day, offering occupants a tangible sense of time and natural rhythm. This design supports circadian health by fostering awareness of natural light cycles.

Air Quality and Natural Materials

The interiors prioritize indoor air quality and the use of environmentally friendly materials, such as recyclable wood, ensuring a healthier workspace.

A Beacon of Sustainable Office Architecture

The A111 Offices by Batlleiroig redefine sustainable office architecture in Barcelona. By seamlessly integrating historical elements, biodiversity, energy-efficient features, and biophilic design principles, this project serves as a blueprint for future urban developments.

As the 22@ district evolves, the A111 Offices stand as a symbol of innovation and respect for the past, paving the way for a greener, more connected urban landscape.

All the photographs are work of Antonio Navarro Wijkmark