Forkstone (Spain)

Situated in Barcelona’s vibrant Espai Serrahima, a place where art and culture converge, Forkstone stands out as a modern workspace in a historic industrial building. Once a thriving textile factory, LoCa Studio, in collaboration with Roca, embraced the challenge of preserving the structure’s unique character while infusing it with a contemporary spirit that resonates with Barcelona’s essence of design.

Originally built in the early 20th century, with a concrete and steel structure added in the 1970s, the building has seen a myriad of transformations - from a textile factory to a parking facility, warehouse, and even a culinary research centre. LoCa Studio, together with Roca, honoured the building’s rich heritage by carefully balancing its historical significance with the demands of a modern workspace.

To transform the once cramped industrial space into a vibrant office environment, the designers played with colour, light and material. Expansive windows flood the area with natural light and offer views of the iconic Plaça de Espanya and Barcelona Fair. Inside, a thoughtful interplay of hard and soft elements - concrete, steel and cosy interior touches - creates a dynamic atmosphere that both inspires creativity and promotes productivity.

At the heart of the transformation is the bathroom, a space reimagined not just as a necessity, but as a sanctuary for employees. Here, undulating steel walls echo the building's façade, creating a sense of continuity while adding a futuristic touch. The minimalist design is both striking and functional, with red flooring contrasting against metallic surfaces to create a space that feels both intimate and expansive.

Every element of the bathroom has been carefully selected to balance aesthetics and practicality. The sleek, stainless-steel countertop is equipped with Roca’s Loft electronic faucets, which not only enhance the modern, futuristic look, but also ensure a hygienic, touch-free experience – essential in a busy office environment. The simplicity of Ona’s wall-hung WCs blends seamlessly with the overall design, while the rimless bowls offer optimal hygiene and ease of maintenance. The result is a bathroom that fits into the wider narrative of transforming an industrial relic into a beacon of modernity, looking to the future remaining mindful of the past through excellent design.

At Forkstone, creativity isn't just encouraged, it's built into the very walls, fixtures and spaces where ideas come to life. This project shows what can be achieved when history, design and functionality come together.