ABEZ Design’s Own HQ in Orihuela

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Inspired by the vernacular of their hometown, ABEZ Design has transformed a former commercial space into their own office in Orihuela, Spain. The studio looked to reinterpret commonly used construction elements that had long been deemed “tacky” to create something beautiful while connecting to their surroundings.

The approach speaks to the studio’s design ethos that stems from a homecoming in 2020. Founded by Diego Abellán and Inma Jiménez, the practice places an intimate and sincere emphasis on appreciating local architecture. Their projects are deeply linked with the environment and its surrounding elements, endowing each space with a distinctive identity that naturally unfolds within every project.

In this case, there was a deliberate exploration of elements traditionally associated with classic housing development, such as pavers, white plaster, marble, pool tile and white interiors. These elements, applied more thoughtfully, succeed in creating a space that respects the local context as well as meeting the needs of an architecture office.

The façade features a lattice of translucent glass blocks with a thin layer of scraped white plaster between, echoing iconic real estate developments in the area. These 1000 translucent pavers create a semi-transparent skin that projects light, shadows and shapes while serving as a thermal and acoustic buffer. This entrance enhanced the relationship between interior and exterior without compromising on light or privacy.

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Inside, the brightly lit interior is carved out into functional space, demarcated by geometric cutouts. In the main workspace a pale blue work table, designed by ABEZ, contrasts with Sancal’s vibrant blue link armchair. Arches lead to a cosy meeting room, there’s an internal triangular window and a circular shape reveals a kitchen and bathroom with blue mosaic tiles. Diego and Inma designed these openings themselves and furnished the interior with some of their favourite pieces including Miguel Milà’s Cestita and TMM lamps.

The renovation found the designers preserving the volume’s original spaciousness while creating small pockets of privacy to strike a balance between an imposing scale and a more human one. A circular pillar in the centre of the space acts as a guiding element, enabling organic circulation around it.

Not only a refurbishment of their new studio, the office reflects a deeply personal journey that encapsulates ABEZ’s sensitive approach to architecture and interiors through a reinterpretation of the place that shaped them.