Clean drinking water is one of the most basic human necessities, and delivering it through processes that are sustainable and gentle on the planet defines the mission of Agua KMZERO in Barcelona. This article highlights the renovation of the brand’s office, where sustainable design, industrial character and modern detailing come together. The redesign, carried out by Estudio COA, transforms an aged industrial shell into a bright, efficient workspace that reflects the company’s ecological values.
The intervention keeps a restrained palette of wood and white, punctuated by unexpected touches of color. Two custom-built “boxes” are inserted into the larger shell of the office; one houses management offices and the other serves as a meeting room for staff. By containing private functions within these volumes, the design leaves the remaining floorplate open and flexible for collaborative workstations and circulation, creating a clear spatial hierarchy without compromising visual continuity.
The building itself dates from 1965, and the renovation deliberately celebrates its original materials. Exposed brick, structural timber and existing surfaces were retained and respected, providing texture and warmth that contrast with the clean geometry of the inserted volumes. Rather than hiding the building’s industrial heritage, the project amplifies it, using these elements as a backdrop for updated finishes and sustainable components.
Material choice and detailing reinforce the office’s sustainable brief. Recyclable materials were prioritized, with finishes and furniture selected for durability and low environmental impact. Glass partitions maintain visual openness and daylight penetration while providing acoustic separation where needed. Linear LED tube lighting offers efficient, evenly distributed illumination and complements the long, loft-like proportions of the space. Indoor plants and simple biophilic touches further improve air quality, acoustics and occupant wellbeing.
The two inserted volumes are deliberately contrasting: they read as refined, contemporary boxes in white and timber, set against the rougher textures of the existing architecture. This juxtaposition accentuates both the old and the new, allowing staff and visitors to appreciate the building’s history while experiencing a modern, efficient workplace. Work areas remain understated and adaptable, supporting different modes of work from focused tasks to collaborative sessions.
Located in the Poblenou district of Barcelona, the office responds to local urban character while reinforcing Agua KMZERO’s brand identity. The atmosphere of the workplace was conceived to mirror the company’s values: ecology, transparency and efficient use of resources. The result is a workspace that feels distinct in both form and function — a place that looks contemporary, works efficiently and demonstrates how sustainable design principles can be applied in an industrial conversion.
“With the intention that the atmosphere of their offices took part of their own identity, the goal was to represent their values in the interior design project. On the one hand, we sought to work with recyclable materials (ecology); on the other hand, we took advantage of all the elements of the original industrial architecture…”
Overall, the refurbishment balances conservation and contemporary interventions, producing an office that is both efficient and characterful. The design demonstrates how careful material selection, thoughtful spatial organization and respect for an existing building can produce a sustainable workplace that supports daily operations and communicates company values through its architecture.