OHLAB introduces gold steel staircase within watch store in palma

OHLAB takes over Palma’s Relojería Alemana Flagship store

OHLAB has undertaken the renovation of a seven-story historic building in Palma’s old town to create the new flagship store and headquarters for Relojería Alemana, a watchmaking business established in 1879. The 900-square-meter project, Edificio RA, merges historic architecture with contemporary design. Captured by photographer José Hevia, the multi-use building incorporates a 700-square-meter multi-brand store, Rolex and Patek Philippe boutiques, a watch repair workshop, and office spaces.

The design concept, titled ‘dynamic materiality,’ organizes materials to create adaptable spaces. A prominent feature is the golden steel staircase, which introduces movement and light, leading visitors through the various levels. Each floor offers a unique atmosphere, with materials such as brass, leather, stone, and wood, reflecting the brand’s legacy while integrating modern elements.

all images by José Hevia

unique material combinations flood Edificio RA’s interior

The first two floors focus on retail and customer reception, with distinct atmospheres defining the different areas. The ground floor features dedicated Rolex and Patek Philippe spaces, while the first floor hosts a multi-brand store, lounge, and second-hand watch area. The combination of velvet curtains, suede, leather-paneled walls, and wooden and brass details creates a seamless blend of contemporary design with historical references. A watch maintenance workshop occupies the second floor, providing dedicated spaces for six technicians. The upper floors house storage and offices, shaped around the building’s irregularities. The use of materials such as wooden coffered ceilings, plaster ceilings with rosettes, brass finishes, and stone floors reinforces the building’s historical roots, while modern touches add a refined, contemporary aesthetic.

Reflective steel paneling visually separates the first two floors from the rest of the building, emphasizing the juxtaposition of tradition and modernity. As visitors move through the space, the design’s adaptability becomes evident, with the materials and spatial arrangements responding to human interaction and environmental conditions. The architects at OHLAB conceive Edificio RA project as a model for redefining luxury, offering spaces that shift between historical authenticity and modern innovation.

OHLAB renovates a seven-story historic building in Palma for Relojería Alemana’s new flagship store

Edificio RA features a multi-brand store, merging historic architecture with modern design

the ‘dynamic materiality’ design concept organizes materials to create adaptable, evolving spaces

reflective steel panels separate the first two floors, marking the contrast between tradition and modernity

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the project redefines luxury by offering spaces that shift between historical authenticity and modern innovation

project info:

name: Edificio RA
architect: OHLAB – Oliver Hernaiz Architecture lab | @ohlab_architecture

design team: Paloma Hernaiz and Jaime Oliver, with Robin Harloff, Bruna Pisciotta, Rebeca Lavin, Laura Colomer, Luis Quiles, Sonia Hernansanz, Inma Carroquino, Camila Ospina, Lara Ortega, Toni Ripoll, Katerina Rangelova

client: Relojería Alemana

building engineer: Jorge Ramon

general contractor: Goccisa

facilities: Ingenio Consultores

structural engineering consultants: Hima Estructuras Stairs

light installation: OHLAB with

custom-made light fixtures: Contain Estudio

location: Palma, Spain

photography: José Hevia

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom