Bluespace Barakaldo

Site: Barakaldo, Bizkaia
Project: 2020
Construction: 2021

The Bluespace Barakaldo project involves the complete transformation of an existing building in Barakaldo, Bizkaia, adapting it for its new use as a self-storage center. The project, developed by Angulo Arquitectura, responds to the growing demand for flexible and secure storage solutions for both individuals and businesses.

The new self-storage center is located on a mixed-use plot comprised of buildings housing a hotel, parking, offices, and retail space. The work focuses on the retail area in the semi-basement, optimizing the available space through rehabilitation and functional reorganization without the need for new high-rise construction.

Comprehensive Renovation and Interior Reorganization

The renovation included conservation work, interior redistribution, and upgrading of technical installations, creating open spaces designed to house mini-warehouses and storage units of varying sizes. The new layout optimizes the center’s operational efficiency and ensures compliance with maximum evacuation distances and current safety and accessibility regulations.

The program incorporates storage units adapted to different storage needs, as well as a commercial area for access control and the sale of auxiliary products related to self-storage, such as boxes, locks, shelving, and packing materials.

The project also included the review and renovation of existing installations, including the drainage system, plumbing, fire protection, waterproofing, and the building’s overall structure.

Technical Installations and Industrial Safety

The project incorporates new electrical installations and telecommunications networks adapted to the center’s operational needs, as well as natural ventilation systems using mixed openings and ventilation grilles distributed among the different storage areas. Intumescent grilles installed between sectors promote safe and efficient air circulation throughout the complex.

Safety is a key aspect of the project, incorporating fire protection systems, fire-resistant lobbies, emergency signage, and evacuation routes adapted to current regulations.

Furthermore, a large part of the building’s original facades have been preserved, with new enclosures only being installed in specific areas using concrete block masonry clad with a single-layer facade system. Waterproofing and improvements have also been carried out in the exterior areas and parking zones.