The “Vapor Turull” project by Blanca Baranera Parera, a student at the UIC Barcelona School of Architecture, was recently named winner of the 2026 Daikin–Schneider Electric TFG Award for Building Services in Architecture in a ceremony at Barcelona Roca Gallery. This distinction acknowledges bachelor’s degree final projects (TFGs) that best integrate building services into the architectural design, taking into account sustainability, energy efficiency, the planning of technical spaces and coherence with the overall design.

In her project, student Blanca Baranera Parera repurposes a former industrial complex in Sabadell, the capital of the Vallès Occidental region, transforming it into an educational, cultural and community facility while preserving its historic character. The purpose of restoring Vapor Turull, a former industrial complex in central Sabadell, is to restore its architectural, historical and social value and reintegrate it into urban life. To achieve this, the project transforms the complex into a multifunctional space housing public areas, offices, classrooms, exhibition rooms and an auditorium.

The intervention is guided by respect for the existing structure, preserving the features that define its industrial character. To adapt the building to its new uses, Baranera proposed light, reversible interventions that are readily distinguishable from the historic structure. The internal wood modules, walkways and new openings allow the layout to be reconfigured while preserving the spatial logic of the original industrial building.

The assessment committee was comprised of Nuria Benedicto Bertolín, head of Specification for Daikin in Catalonia and Andorra; Eva Sallés Manzano, Building Management System (BMS) specification manager for the Mediterranean region at Schneider Electric; and architects and UIC Barcelona School of Architecture lecturers Xavi Martínez Tomeo and Amaya Arizmendi.

Representing the University, Xavi Martínez Tomeo noted that “this project shows that architecture is not just about preserving a building, but also about understanding how it can continue to function and serve society. The integration of building services is an essential part of this process and requires future architects to take a holistic approach from the outset, combining design, technical considerations and respect for heritage.”

During the ceremony, Nuria Benedicto Bertolín stressed that “this project shows that building services do not necessarily have to be hidden to fulfil their purpose. When considered from the outset and integrated thoughtfully, they can coexist with the existing architecture and help create comfortable spaces suited to new uses.”

Eva Sallés Manzano added that “buildings must be prepared to respond to evolving needs. That is why it is essential to consider energy efficiency, flexibility and adaptability from the earliest design stages, when integrating building services and management systems. ‘Vapor Turull’ proposes a bold approach to this challenge, making technical solutions visible and turning them into an integral part of the architectural design.”