Restoring Heritage: Renovation of Germans Climent Factory

The Germans Climent factory, a historic industrial building in the Sants District of Barcelona, has been revitalized to serve a new purpose as a funeral home, thanks to the visionary design by architects Xavier Ramoneda and Pau Millet.

Embracing History

Originally constructed in 1925 by architect Modest Feu Estrada, the factory is a quintessential example of noucentista industrial architecture, boasting solid brick construction and a distinctive metal and wooden roof. Designated as a Listed building and a Cultural Asset of Local Interest by the Barcelona City Council, the factory holds significant cultural and architectural value.

Transformation with Respect

The renovation project aimed to preserve the factory’s original architecture while accommodating the new function as a funeral home. Rather than overshadowing the existing structure, the architects sought to enhance its historical integrity. The main approach involved creating a new building within the existing shell, utilizing the industrial structure as a protective envelope.

Harmonious Integration

The funeral home seamlessly integrates into the factory space, with the wooden roof and metal trusses serving as focal points of the architectural composition. A public corridor runs parallel to the south façade, allowing natural light to permeate the interior and providing access to family spaces arranged along the central nave.

Spiritual Spaces

At the heart of the building lies the ceremony room, featuring a double-height space illuminated by natural light filtering through the trusses. The sinuous walls of the family rooms create a sense of organic tranquility, while the office volumes and ceremony room roof represent pure, spiritual forms.

Sustainable Design

To ensure future sustainability, the new elements of the funeral home are constructed entirely of wood, allowing for easy dismantling if needed. The uniform light color palette defines the new volumes, contrasting with the warmth of the original wooden roof and emphasizing unity throughout the intervention.

Respecting the Past, Embracing the Future

Through meticulous design and thoughtful execution, the renovation of the Germans Climent factory achieves a delicate balance between preserving the past and embracing the future. The new funeral home stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the industrial era while providing a tranquil space for reflection and remembrance in Barcelona’s vibrant urban landscape.