A groundbreaking 8,000-square-meter headquarters and showroom in Valencia, Spain, demonstrates how architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture can work together to create a single, cohesive narrative. The new Andreu World facility represents a revolutionary approach to exhibition spaces, where the building itself becomes part of the story being told about sustainable design and Mediterranean craftsmanship.
The concept of exhibition in architecture extends far beyond simply displaying products or artwork. It involves understanding how users move through and experience spaces, recognizing the unique properties of each design element, and revealing the methodology behind their creation. From furniture and equipment to construction materials and cutting-edge technologies, architecture and interior design are increasingly demonstrating their creative potential to develop solutions that merge historical, landscape, and social perspectives into meaningful experiences.
International exhibitions in architecture have evolved significantly since their beginnings in the mid-19th century. Originally conceived to showcase technological innovations, works of art, cultures from different regions, and various tools for society, these exhibitions have left lasting marks on cities and become part of collective memory. The legacy of international exhibitions reveals a direct dialogue with architectural and urban heritage, offering new reflections and ideas that deepen our understanding of spaces as creators of interaction and transformation.
The new Andreu World headquarters in Valencia exemplifies this philosophy through its integration of Mediterranean architecture with sustainable design principles. Spanning 8,000 square meters of exhibition space, the facility creates a continuous flow through interconnected spaces linked by strategic communication cores. The building employs curtain walls and a micro-perforated metal skin that filters natural light, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow that shifts throughout the day. This design ensures that each space opens up to natural light and ventilation, reflecting the company's commitment to environmental responsibility.
Jesús Llinares, CEO of Andreu World, explains the vision behind the project: "This space reflects who we are and what we aspire to remain: a brand committed to innovation, responsible design, and respect for the environment. Conceived with architecture by ERRE, interior design by Francesc Rifé Studio, and landscaping by GM Paisajistas, this building embodies the Mediterranean spirit that defines Andreu World—open to light, the outdoors, and social connection."
The architectural approach redefines the traditional showroom concept as a comprehensive architectural experience. In dialogue with the domestic scale of its surroundings, the building emerges as a series of respectful architectural volumes that embrace the dimensions of the urban fabric. The building's identity is expressed through its façade, conceived as a backdrop of understated and tactile character. The Rudolph prefabricated block becomes both a structural module and an architectural language, evoking the precision of traditional craftsmanship through its textures.
According to the architects from ERRE—Amparo Roig, Jose Martí, and M. Ángeles Ros—"The entire project is conceived as an exercise in integrating the existing and the new, with the aim of creating a coherent and sustainable architectural complex." Based on principles of simplicity and precision, the project uses prefabricated structures to ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This strategy allows for large spans without intermediate supports, freeing up space and giving the showroom the flexibility needed for products to become the true focal point.
The interior design, created by Francesc Rifé Studio, transforms the space using an artistic concept inspired by a canvas with a pine wood frame and stretched translucent fabric. This idea becomes the generative principle of the space, where wood serves as both structure and organizing system. Through these compositions, planes are defined, pathways are shaped, and a warm scenography is built that gives meaning to the exhibition. "As in a museum, I conceived each piece with its own place, its own light, and its own silences, so that visitors can move around logically, stop, observe, and continue," explains Francesc Rifé. "I wanted the space to accompany the product and not the other way around."
The ceiling features a suspended metal system designed to accommodate lighting fixtures, conceal wiring, and support panels that act as veils over the space. On the floor, different materials—including stone, wood, and seamless flooring—coexist flush with one another, creating another layer of organization and visual interest throughout the facility.
The landscaping project, designed by GM Paisajistas, continues the work previously carried out at the former Olimar building and covers an outdoor area of 3,000 square meters. The proposal aims to create an exterior space that interacts harmoniously with the interior and showcases all outdoor products. By combining herbaceous plants with trees and shrubs, the design seeks to minimize garden maintenance while maximizing visual impact.
Gustavo Marina from GM Paisajistas describes their approach: "At Andreu World's new offices, we approached the landscaping as a comprehensive project, from the gardens to the interior courtyards. Our goal was to discover the essence of the place and transform it into unique green spaces that complement the architecture and everyday life. We are passionate about creating unique environments that help the team grow, spark the imagination, and keep learning alive at every stage of the process."
The landscape design features repeating combinations of preexisting plant species to ensure all areas share the same cohesive dialogue. The design includes decking and pergola zones, circular ponds, and distinct areas including a tropical secret garden, a transition garden, and a main garden where the Mediterranean tree takes center stage. An outdoor dining area features mostly deciduous trees that allow sunlight to filter through in winter while providing shade in summer. The amphitheater, conceived as a gathering space for Andreu World's social events, integrates vegetation directly into its stepped seating.
This project represents more than just a corporate headquarters; it embodies Andreu World's commitment to sustainable practices and circular economy principles. As a B Corp company, Andreu World embraces the responsibility of creating positive impact by integrating social, environmental, and governance values into every decision. Their entire catalog is Cradle to Cradle Certified, the company operates as carbon neutral, and continues advancing toward a zero waste model where nothing is wasted and everything is transformed. The new showroom, with BREEAM sustainable building certification, serves as the clearest expression of their understanding of architecture, design, and the future of responsible manufacturing.
