The Mayoral New Warehouse Logistics Center: A Masterpiece of Prefabricated Warehouse Architecture

The Mayoral New Warehouse Logistics Center, designed by System Arquitectura, is a groundbreaking example of prefabricated warehouse architecture. Located on the Mayoral campus in Intelhorce, Málaga, this innovative structure seamlessly integrates modern architectural techniques with energy efficiency and a commitment to sustainability. Adjacent to the rehabilitated historic warehouse by Vázquez Molezún, this new addition exemplifies a thoughtful approach to urban planning and architectural harmony.

Context and Historical Integration

Set within a campus that embodies the textile industry's legacy, the warehouse is designed to complement its surroundings while offering modern functionality. The project is situated near a protected warehouse rehabilitated by the same team in 2018, creating a visual and conceptual dialogue between the two structures.

At 20 meters in height and spanning over 15,000 square meters, the new building rises significantly taller than its neighboring structure, which stands at 11 meters. To soften this height disparity, the architects employed curvilinear facades and strategically distanced the new building from the existing one. This approach not only minimizes the visual impact but also establishes a coherent architectural language reflective of the textile industry's influence.

Innovative Design Language

The architectural concept draws inspiration from textiles, exploring the interplay of transparency and opacity reminiscent of fabric. This idea is expressed through five large arches that form the building’s facades, further divided into smaller arches to reduce the perception of mass. The resulting appearance evokes the image of a building wrapped in fabric, paying homage to the works of Christo and Jeanne-Claude.

The façade design comprises two layers: an inner layer of translucent polycarbonate for insulation and waterproofing and an outer layer of micro-perforated zinc sheets. This combination allows natural light to filter through while protecting the interior from direct sunlight, effectively enhancing the building's thermal performance.

Prefabrication and Modularity

Prefabrication serves as a cornerstone of the Mayoral New Warehouse Logistics Center. Nearly every component of the building was manufactured off-site and assembled on location, ensuring precision, efficiency, and adherence to both timelines and budgets.

The building’s triangulated tubular steel structure was fabricated in Galicia, with beams spanning up to 32 meters transported and meticulously assembled on-site. The folded zinc sheet façade was crafted in Asturias, while the polycarbonate interior skin was produced in Álava.

This high degree of prefabrication was supported by the use of BIM (Building Information Modeling) technology throughout the design and construction phases, streamlining the process and ensuring accuracy.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

The Mayoral New Warehouse Logistics Center embodies sustainability through its innovative design and materials. The façade’s dual-layer system reduces energy consumption by minimizing the need for artificial lighting and regulating thermal performance.

Natural illumination floods the interior through the translucent polycarbonate layer, enhancing the workspace's ambiance while lowering energy usage. The incorporation of energy-efficient systems, combined with the use of recyclable materials such as zinc and steel, underscores the project’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

Structural and Technical Achievements

The architectural and engineering feats of the Mayoral Logistics Center are a testament to modern construction techniques. The building’s 20-meter-high structure features spans of up to 32 meters, showcasing the capabilities of prefabricated steel.

One of the standout elements is the spiral staircase, which rises over 16 meters and exemplifies the precision achieved through prefabrication. The seamless integration of structural components highlights the collaboration between design and engineering.

Conclusion: A New Standard in Prefabricated Warehouse Architecture

The Mayoral New Warehouse Logistics Center is more than just a functional logistics hub—it is a symbol of innovation, sustainability, and architectural excellence. By blending modern prefabrication techniques with sustainable materials and a design inspired by the textile industry, System Arquitectura has set a new benchmark in prefabricated warehouse architecture.

This project is a testament to how thoughtful design can transcend conventional boundaries, delivering a structure that is not only efficient and sustainable but also visually compelling and deeply rooted in its historical and industrial context.

All Photographs are work of Fernando Alda