Historic industrial building in Madrid refurbished for office use

A courtyard, garden roof and natural and recycled materials create a healthy working environment

Spotted: Built in 1905, the former natural gas plant located inside Madrid’s orbital motorway Calle 30 contains more than 10,000 tonnes of brick. Foster + Partners architects are transforming the disused building into new office space for Spanish sustainable infrastructure and energy company Acciona. A courtyard with garden roof and a 10,000 square metre park contribute to the design’s focus on biophilia and environmental wellbeing.

More than 300 trees and regional plants requiring minimal water will fill the park, which will include outdoor work and meeting spaces. Inside the building, a terraced design made from sustainable, locally-sourced timber is recyclable and can be taken apart easily should the need arise. Other reused materials are included wherever possible, and a central ceiling skylight helps reduce the refurbished building’s reliance on electricity.  

The outdoor green spaces that are part of the update extend to the nearby metro station, enhancing use of the space through increased opportunities for a variety of local purposes and interactions. Construction is currently ongoing.

Following the great disruption to millions of peoples’ professional routines in 2020, the move towards more sustainable ways of working is likely to continue. Many organisations and individuals are seeking custom solutions that enhance their work-life balance. Springwise has spotted a range of interesting options, from energy-neutral floating offices outside Rotterdam, to prefabricated office pods for home garden workspaces.

Explore more: Architecture & Design Innovations | Sustainability Innovations