Enjoy 2 free articles a month. For unlimited access, get a membership now.

Edificio R.A.

Ohlab

SAVE SUBMISSION
Bronze
Stairs
Workshop
Façade
Stairs

1 / 15

Comments
Innovation
Functionality
Creativity
Eco-Social Impact
Total
JURY VOTES
Multi-Brand Store
6.77
7.07
7.38
5.92
6.79
Christopher Lye
Christopher Lye Principal at Woods Bagot
6
6
6
5.5
5.88
Javier Jimenez Iniesta
Javier Jimenez Iniesta Director at Studio Animal
9.5
9
9.5
7
8.75
Jenn Celesia
Jenn Celesia Founder at Jenn Celesia Consulting
A remarkable brand experience, bala...
6
7.5
8
6.5
7
Matteo Ferrari
Matteo Ferrari Founder at Matteo Ferrari Studio
8
7
8
7
7.5
Heather Dubbeldam
Heather Dubbeldam Principal at Dubbeldam Architecture + Design
Innovative use of the floor plate t...
8
8.5
8.5
7
8
Moein Jalali
Moein Jalali Founder at Moein Jalali and Partners
6
6.5
6
5
5.88
Viktorija Valiulyte
Viktorija Valiulyte Senior Designer for EMEA Flagshipstores at Nike
6
8
8
7
7.25
Elnaz Taghaddos
Elnaz Taghaddos Cofounder at E Plus A Atelier
Elegantly blends historical charm w...
8
8
8.5
7
7.88
Esin Karliova
Esin Karliova Founder and Principal at Studio Karliova
5
7
6
5.5
5.88
Rahul Mistri
Rahul Mistri Founder and Principal Designer at Open Atelier Mumbai
6.53
6.53
6.74
5.81
6.4
Søren Pihlmann
Søren Pihlmann Founder at pihlmann architects
5
6
8
3
5.5
Micha Klein
Micha Klein Executive Director at Liganova
8
7
7.5
6
7.13
Kot Ge
Kot Ge Founder at LSD Interior Design
6
6
7
6
6.25
Christina Prodromou
Christina Prodromou Director at COX Architecture
6.5
7
6.5
5.5
6.38
Ke Xie
Ke Xie Founder at Signyan Design
7
6
6.5
5
6.13
Designer
Client
Relojería Alemana
Floor area
570 ㎡
Completion
2023
Social Media
Instagram Facebook Linkedin
Lighting
Structural engineering consultants
Faucets
General Contractor
Furniture
Lighting Controls

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.