Alhacena, the new space at the Reina Sofía Museum designed by Jorge Penadés, showcases the potential of Garnica plywood to create innovative, functional architecture with a distinctive visual identity.
When design pushes the boundaries of a material, the result goes far beyond architecture. Alhacena, the new space at the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, designed by Jorge Penadés and his team, is a clear example of how plywood can become the defining element of a project's identity. Selected as the winning proposal in the competition promoted by the museum and MANERA Magazine, this multifunctional space transforms the visitor experience by bringing together relaxation areas, workshops, meetings and cultural activities within a single architectural intervention.
To meet the project's technical and aesthetic requirements, Garnica's varnished Elegance White Oak plywood (3/4 in. | 96 × 48 in.) was selected. The stability of poplar plywood, together with its machining precision and premium surface quality, made it possible to create a 95-foot linear structure that accommodates multiple functions while adapting seamlessly to the space without compromising its architectural coherence. From seating areas to spaces designed for workshops and presentations, every element forms part of a flexible environment conceived to evolve throughout the day.
Photography: Germán Saiz
One of the project's most distinctive features is the work carried out on the plywood itself. Using an innovative CNC machining process, the design team developed a texture inspired by the natural grain of poplar that selectively transforms the oak veneer surface to reveal the material at the core of the panel. This intervention elevates plywood beyond its structural role, making it an integral part of the architectural language while adding depth, character and a unique visual identity to the space.
With 224 Garnica panels, Alhacena showcases the outstanding versatility of poplar plywood for demanding architectural applications. Its lightweight properties, dimensional stability and high level of customisation provide architects and designers with the freedom to develop innovative solutions where the material fulfils not only a technical function but also plays an essential role in the project's creative expression.
The result is a space that encourages visitors to engage with the museum in new ways while demonstrating the potential of Garnica plywood to bring ambitious architectural concepts to life. It is a collaboration that shows how creativity and technical excellence can transform a material into the true protagonist of architecture.
Photography: Germán Saiz
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