A groundbreaking supermarket design in Mallorca, Spain, is turning heads with its unique architectural approach that combines environmental sustainability with bold brutalist aesthetics. The project, called "Plastic Box" and designed by Minimal Studio, transforms an ordinary retail space into an architectural showcase by incorporating over a thousand recycled plastic crates into its ceiling design, creating a striking example of circular design principles in commercial architecture.
The building's exterior features a monolithic concrete shell that establishes a clear and austere framework typical of brutalist architecture. The concrete envelope is articulated through geometric volumes and clean lines, conveying structural solidity and permanence that stands out in the urban landscape. Facade openings are deliberately designed as dark portals, creating a dramatic transition from the exterior environment to the illuminated retail space inside and emphasizing the contrast between the harsh concrete exterior and the bright shopping area within.
The most innovative feature of the supermarket is its modular ceiling system composed entirely of recycled plastic crates arranged in a systematic pattern. Each crate serves multiple functions beyond its structural role, acting as a housing unit for LED lighting systems, ventilation equipment, and rainwater collection infrastructure. This multifunctional approach demonstrates how aesthetic design intent can be seamlessly combined with practical building applications, creating a ceiling that is both visually striking and highly functional.
The modular crate ceiling creates dynamic lighting effects throughout the day as it filters natural light and produces ever-changing geometric shadow patterns that move with the sun's progression across the sky. This natural lighting system is supplemented by integrated artificial lighting that can be adjusted based on the time of day and weather conditions. The diffused lighting effect created by the crates provides even illumination throughout the retail space while reducing harsh shadows and glare that can be problematic in traditional supermarket lighting systems.
Inside the supermarket, the brutalist design language continues with carefully selected materials and fixtures that maintain the architectural theme. Steel shelving units provide sturdy display areas for merchandise, while polished concrete floors create a seamless continuation of the exterior concrete aesthetic. Monolithic sculptural checkout counters serve as functional art pieces, doubling as both practical retail fixtures and striking design elements that reinforce the overall architectural concept.
The interior lighting strategy relies heavily on indirect illumination to create dramatic effects through shadow and contrast, which helps accentuate product displays in an unconventional way. This approach challenges traditional retail lighting norms that typically favor bright, uniform illumination. Throughout the space, reclaimed and repurposed elements are incorporated into the design, further emphasizing the commitment to sustainability and circular design principles.
Minimal Studio's approach to this project represents a significant departure from conventional supermarket design, treating the retail environment as a legitimate site for architectural experimentation and innovation. The Spanish architecture practice has successfully demonstrated that commercial spaces can serve dual purposes as both functional retail environments and showcase spaces for sustainable design practices. By repurposing industrial components both structurally and visually, the firm has created a supermarket that merges environmental responsibility with bold architectural expression and spatial experimentation, setting a new standard for sustainable commercial architecture.
