Barcelona’s SAIER facility, a municipal center for the Immigrant, Emigrant, and Refugee Assistance Service, has undergone a radical yet sensitive transformation by Flexo Arquitectura. The project reimagines a 1980s office building into a welcoming, domestic-like space while adhering to strict constraints—the façade and volume had to remain unchanged. The result is a harmonious blend of industrial and artisanal materials, geometric diversity, and energy-efficient upgrades that redefine the building’s purpose.
The architects faced a unique challenge: how to infuse a standardized office building with the warmth and familiarity of a home. The Saier facility serves as a critical support center for migrants, requiring an environment that feels inviting rather than institutional. Flexo Arquitectura countered the predictable monotony of office spaces by introducing geometric and material diversity, ensuring no two floors feel the same.
Key to this strategy was the use of handmade materials alongside industrial ones. Glazed tiles, sprayed mortar ceilings, and terrazzo contrast with folded sheet metal, deployé mesh, and linoleum, creating a tactile richness. The assembly techniques leaned towards DIY aesthetics, reinforcing a sense of craft and individuality. Custom and pre-defined furniture pieces were integrated, further enhancing the space’s unique, domestic character.
Since the building’s curtain wall façade and roof could not be modified, Flexo Arquitectura focused on improving thermal performance within these constraints. The original insulation and glass were replaced with high-performance alternatives, while projecting windows were added to encourage cross-ventilation.
Unable to install external solar shading, the team introduced thermo-reflective curtains to regulate sunlight. The roof, previously covered in gravel, was transformed into a green roof, boosting thermal mass and reducing heat absorption. These interventions significantly lower the building’s energy demand, aligning with contemporary sustainability standards.
The Saier facility stands as a testament to how adaptive reuse and thoughtful design can transform rigid office structures into human-centered spaces. By prioritizing material diversity, domestic warmth, and energy efficiency, Flexo Arquitectura has created a model for social infrastructurethat is both functional and deeply empathetic.