Recovering the essence of Olandixo

In recent years, Laboral Kutxa has carried out various improvement and redevelopment projects in the A.E.22_Olandino industrial estate in Arrasate (Gipuzkoa). Although the main urbanisation works have now been completed, the immediate surroundings of Caserío Olandixo, a historic and symbolic part of the complex, still needed to be redeveloped and upgraded.

This project has two objectives: firstly, to define the general criteria for the landscape and management of the farmstead's surroundings, recovering the founding values that justified the establishment of Laboral Kutxa on the slopes of Olandixo in the 1970s; and secondly, to design the redevelopment of its access, reinforcing its functionality and its role as a landmark for the business park.

The aim is to create a corporate landscape with memory and a future. The proposal reinterprets the original essence of the place—its relationship with the topography, the agricultural landscape and the solid presence of traditional architecture—to consolidate a unified, coherent environment that respects its identity. The approach is one of discretion: minimal interventions, natural materials and a formal language that dialogues with the surroundings and the existing architecture.

A main pedestrian route is proposed to connect and organise the different spaces, segregated from road traffic and designed to enjoy the landscape. In the immediate surroundings of the farmhouse, an outdoor meeting area is created, linked to the vegetable gardens and small shaded areas under trees, where visitors can stop and connect with nature and with the cooperative values that characterise Laboral Kutxa.

The west façade of the farmhouse is conceived as a natural extension of the east entrance, creating spatial continuity through the porch and defining a multipurpose area for corporate meetings and celebrations. Its elevated position offers an open view of Mount Udalaitz and the valley, making it a veritable viewpoint that reinforces the landscape interpretation of the complex.

The existing gardens are reorganised into small terraces and a continuous perimeter bench, improving their functionality and visual integration. The large green slope is preserved as a structural element of the park, recalling the original vision for the site: a spacious, open environment connected to the landscape, in contrast to the congestion at the bottom of the valley.

Over time, cars had gradually taken over the open space, diluting the prominence of the landscape and hindering the experience of the place. The project restores the harmonious relationship between architecture and nature, reducing parking spaces in sensitive areas, improving spatial legibility and giving pedestrians a central role in the daily life of the business park.

The main entrance is transformed into a welcoming plaza that dignifies the farmhouse and frames the large existing oak tree, turning it into a landmark and a place to linger. The selection of materials prioritises chromatic and textural continuity with the complex, a reduced carbon footprint, locally sourced materials, and solutions that facilitate drainage and the naturalisation of the environment.

The vegetation strategy is based on grasslands with differentiated management, incorporating herbaceous species that provide seasonal variation, texture and biodiversity. The tree vegetation consolidates the spatial structure of the park, reinforcing its natural character and climatic comfort. The result is a sober and contemporary intervention that respects the original character of Olandixo, updates its functionality and highlights the relationship between architecture, landscape and corporate culture. A space designed for working, walking and living consciously, where nature, memory and innovation coexist in a balanced way.