A mangrove is a hybrid tropical ecosystem, between the sea and the land, where trees (mangroves) take root in border zones between river mouths and the sea. Mangroves are biotic areas rich in biological diversity and provide natural protection against predators, winds and large waves.

 

Based on this metaphor, the idea was to give a new life to an old warehouse of 1500m2 dating from the 1960s, located between Balcells and Camèlies streets in Barcelona’s Gràcia district. The refurbishment has made it possible to create a coworking-type office space in which natural light and vegetation flow into open-plan spaces.

 

In the centre of the premises, coinciding with a restored wooden truss roof, a sculptural element has been placed that gives character to the coworking space, a green heart that beats to the rhythm of the community it protects, a central mangrove that gives life and meaning to the premises.

 

The geometry of the structure of the central mangrove is a hyperbolic parabolide with a circular base and elliptical crown that opens up to the light from the roof skylights and forms the framework and support through which the plants can climb and grow. It also allows a work area to be set up around the vertical garden.

 

The structure is formed by a system of metal slats that overlap at each intersection, giving rigidity to the whole.