A single-storey building in the Espai Serrahima industrial complex in Barcelona, Spain, was first constructed as a textile factory to support the World Expo of 1929. In the seventies, the building was modernised into an office complex and witnessed new design features. In 2023, the building was once again renovated by LoCa Studio, the Barcelona architecture studio founded by Daniel Lorenzo & Carlota Casanova.
The studio aimed to consolidate the building’s unique identity and highlight the local history it represents. Considering its industrial origins and abundance of hard surfaces, the renovation was an opportunity to reduce the high reverberation levels of the different spaces, key for its function as a workplace and its office acoustics.
Acoustic Measurements for the Factory Renovation
LoCa Studio needed to convert the spaces under the roof into open-plan offices to increase capacity, omitting partitions and playing with the scale of the space. This change was leveraged to introduce acoustic absorption across the ceiling surfaces. A simple and rigid material with absorbent capacity, as well as a minimal, neutral finish, was needed – one that would highlight the beauty of the exposed metal structural components.
Rockfon technicians carried out acoustic measurements and found that the reverberation time was 2.8 seconds. To reduce the value and improve acoustic comfort while adhering to the architects’ design vision, Rockfon recommended installing Rockfon Blanka white acoustic panels for Class A sound absorption. The white, smooth, and matte surface of the acoustic solution diffuses 99 percent of light and reflects 87 percent, introducing a sense of lightness into the space. The X edge option selected for the Espai Serrahima office is characterised by small bevels that entirely conceal the suspended ceiling grid, providing a seamless look.
The ceiling tiles were also installed in the dining room, where the improved acoustic conditions allow it to be used as an office. By the completion of the renovation, the original reverberation time of 2.8 seconds was significantly reduced to 0.7 seconds, achieving high acoustic comfort and excellent noise control. "Users can be comfortable, and the room can be used for different activities simultaneously. Group conversations aren't heard from just a few metres away", said Daniel Lorenzo.
