OHLAB designed a flagship store, workshop and headquarters for a watchmaking business in Palma's Central District, combining history with contemporary design. The business has a tradition dating back to 1879, and the renovation reflects both its heritage and modern innovation.
The design concept, based on "dynamic materiality," allows spaces to adapt and evolve with changing needs. The building, located on Carrer de Colom, underwent exterior renovations, including the restoration of its stone base on the lower floors and the replacement of balconies with windows. The large glass panels on the facade offer a modern touch while maintaining a connection to the surrounding historic district.
Inside, visitors are greeted by a golden staircase clad in steel, with an artistic lighting installation. The first two floors are dedicated to customer service and sales, each offering a unique theme. The first floor features three spaces in different shades of green, including a lounge with a minibar, a section for pre-owned watches finished with antler, and a room with leather-padded walls. These spaces use traditional materials like wood paneling, stone floors, plaster ceilings, and brass fixtures while embracing a contemporary design approach.
The second floor is home to a watch maintenance workshop with six individual workstations. The upper floors are used for storage and office space, providing the infrastructure for the business's operations. The combination of wood, plaster, brass, and stone honors the brand's history while accommodating modern needs.
A mirrored steel panel separates the first two floors from the upper levels, symbolizing the transition from tradition to modernity. This aligns with the "dynamic materiality" concept, allowing the space to adapt as visitors interact with it.
The design explores the concept of luxury through reflective surfaces and organic lighting, playing with perceptions to blur the lines between reality and imagination. The subtle distortion of shapes and manipulation of light create unique experiences, adding a touch of the ethereal to each space.
Edificio R.A.
Ohlab
Bronze

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Designer
Client
Relojería Alemana
Floor area
570 ㎡
Completion
2023
Lighting
Facilities
Structural engineering consultants
Faucets
General Contractor
Furniture
Lighting Controls