ARQUID’s expansion of Idilia Foods’ cocoa cream factory in Parets del Vallès, Barcelona, represents a thoughtful response to the pressing demands of industrial growth. Faced with the need to expand production capacity and streamline operations, ARQUID designed a building that seamlessly integrates with the existing factory complex. The architects preserved aesthetic harmony by employing precast concrete, a material already present in the original structure. This decision anchors the new building within its industrial and natural surroundings, ensuring it does not disrupt the visual continuity of the site.
Idilia’s Cocoa Factory Technical Information
- Architects1-4: Arquid
- Location: Parets del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
- Topics: Industrial Architecture
- Area: 11,700 m2
- Completion Year: 2023
- Photographs: © José Hevia
The use of materials and the innovative application of colour, contribute to reflect the vision of showing a new industrial image that is accessible, attractive and in tune with the surrounding environment.
– Arquid Architects
Idilia’s Cocoa Factory Photographs
Precast Concrete Facades and Colour Strategy
The use of precast concrete serves not only a functional purpose—ensuring durability and low maintenance—but also projects a contemporary industrial image. The strategic use of colour on the façade, a key element of the design, breaks from traditional industrial monotony and signals the company’s modern branding direction.
The visual identity of the factory’s expansion is defined through the façade’s treatment. ARQUID’s choice to embed colour into the grooves of the precast concrete panels introduces a dynamic yet subtle visual language. This colour scheme is not merely aesthetic; it plays an active role in defining different stages of the factory’s processes, creating a coded system visible from both inside and outside the building. Inspired by Idilia’s branding, the graduated palette of warm reds and oranges lends a cheerful vibrancy to the otherwise robust concrete structure. This interplay of colour and material strikes a balance between industrial solidity and visual lightness.
The façade’s articulation embodies an evolution in how industrial architecture interacts with its environment. It transforms the factory from a purely functional space into a branded architectural statement, echoing Idilia’s identity while promoting clarity and orientation within the production process.
The New Connecting Walkway: A Symbol of Flow
One of the standout features of this project is the newly constructed walkway, designed to connect the existing factory with the new extension. ARQUID overcame the challenge of height differences between the two buildings by designing a seamless connection that adheres to strict clearance height requirements. The walkway plays a crucial role in navigating between production areas while also symbolising the continuous flow of manufacturing processes.
The attention to circulation extends beyond logistics. The design of the walkway emphasises the journey of both users and visitors, offering a visual guide through the different manufacturing phases. In a sense, this element becomes a bridge not only between buildings but also between the old and new stages of Idilia’s growth, providing an architectural narrative that underscores progress and evolution.
Interior Design: A Play of Light and Functionality
The interior design of the new factory is marked by the interplay of natural light and industrial materials. ARQUID maximised the use of large polycarbonate sheets, allowing ample light to flood the space while maintaining privacy and providing effective sunlight protection. The contrast between the black open ceilings and white surfaces further enhances the brightness, reflecting natural light and creating a sense of openness.
The interior continues the coded colour system introduced on the façade, providing clarity in defining the manufacturing stages. This attention to detail extends to other design elements, such as locks and railings, which also reflect the chosen colour scheme. This careful coordination turns the factory interior into a coherent space where function, light, and brand identity converge.
The expansion of Idilia’s cocoa cream factory is more than an exercise in industrial architecture—it is a reflection of how thoughtful design can elevate even the most functional of spaces. ARQUID’s approach has resulted in a building that is both efficient and expressive, signalling the future of industrial design.
Idilia’s Cocoa Factory Plans
Idilia’s Cocoa Factory Image Gallery
About Arquid
ARQUID, based in Madrid, is an international architecture studio known for its creative and functional approach to managing and designing projects across various sectors.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Developer: Idilia Foods
- Project Manager: IPS Spain
- Construction: INBISA
- Carpentry: INBISA
