Ayesa completes the transformation of the iconic Torre Cruzcampo building

This project represents a significant renovation of this culturally important building in the Cruzcampo brewery complex in Seville.

Torre Cruzcampo is known for its distinctive height and gabled roof and is crowned by the iconic Cruzcampo brand sign.

Founded in 1904, the Cruzcampo brewery was Seville’s first beer production facility. The complex comprises a series of industrial buildings inspired by Central European factory design from the Industrial Revolution. It features large windows to maximise natural light, a functional layout, a symmetrical design, and taller structures to accommodate machinery with easy access to transportation. Located in the vibrant Nervión neighbourhood, the complex includes three historic structures: Maestranza, the Cruzcampo Factory (formerly the “Mosaico” building), and Torre Cruzcampo (previously known as “Palomar”), all of which are listed among the city’s protected buildings.

After relocating its beer production facility, Heineken decided to repurpose these buildings into an immersive, cultural, multi-purpose facility aimed at highlighting the cultural and social significance of beer, as well as its gastronomy and hospitality. The project spans 5,000 square meters of renovated space, featuring a hospitality school, restaurant, microbrewery, training workshops, offices, cultural areas, and a viewing platform.

^{New glass façade of the Cruzcampo Tower, with the panoramic terrace. Photograph: Juanca Lagares.}

A partnership between the Cruzcampo Foundation, the social arm of Heineken Spain, and the Seville Chamber of Commerce has transformed Torre Cruzcampo into a training and employment hub.

Led by Ayesa, the architectural project has been executed in several phases since 2017. The first phase to be completed was the Cruzcampo Factory, inaugurated in June 2021, followed by the façade renovations of Maestranza. Torre Cruzcampo officially opened on October 15, 2024. This project has enhanced the complex’s heritage, integrating it into the city and making it an integral part of the cultural environment for locals and visitors alike.

^{General view of the former Cruzcampo Factory complex, Seville. From left to right: Cruzcampo Tower, Mestranza building and Cruzcampo Factory. Photograph: Juanca Lagare.}

The intervention of heritage icon – Torre Cruzcampo

The former fermentation silo of the brewery, affectionately known as “Palomar” due to the pigeons that once roosted on its roof, is a prominent Seville landmark celebrated for its height and gabled roof, topped by the iconic Cruzcampo sign.

Ayesa’s approach involved fully emptying the old silo while preserving its original brick and concrete shell, which showcases its rich history and stains from gases during the fermentation process. Existing floor slabs were replaced to enhance the interior, increasing the ceiling height and eliminating central pillars. This critical alteration allows the space to be used for multiple needs, including classrooms and entrepreneurial spaces. This open-plan layout is improved by centralising access via double staircases and elevators in the service core at the back of the building. The top floor has a viewing platform for events and celebrations. It offers an ample, open space with a western-facing terrace providing clear views of Seville’s historic centre.

^{Viewpoint of the Cruzcampo Tower, with its gabled roof and, in the background, the terrace overlooking the historic centre of Seville. Photograph: Juanca Lagares.}

Ayesa: A Quarter of a Century in Architecture

Ayesa is a global leader in technology and engineering services, established in Seville over 60 years ago. Today, the company employs 14,000 people and has a permanent presence in 23 countries across Europe, America, Africa, and Asia.

Ayesa first offered architectural services in the 1990s and has now evolved into a dynamic team of over 200 professionals specialising in architecture, landscaping, and urban planning. This team manages projects from design and conceptualisation to construction management and consultancy and is ranked among the World’s Top 100 Architects. (WA-100).

Ayesa’s architectural portfolio showcases its impressive evolution through several landmark projects. Notable among these are the City of Justice in Córdoba, a modern judicial complex designed to enhance access and efficiency; Torre Sevilla, a striking skyscraper that redefines the city’s skyline; and the renovation of the Cruzcampo Factory, which celebrates the region’s brewing heritage.

In addition to these significant achievements, Ayesa is actively engaged in exciting new ventures, including the new Emasesa laboratories housed within a historic water reservoir in Camas (Seville), which aims to blend functionality with sustainability. The City of Justice in Alicante will centralise judicial services in a state-of-the-art facility. Furthermore, Ayesa is involved in the high-profile renovation of Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, ensuring this iconic venue meets modern standards while preserving its rich history.

These projects highlight Ayesa’s architectural expertise and reflect its commitment to innovation and community engagement in urban development. In addition to its domestic work, Ayesa is active internationally, delivering major infrastructure projects such as the National Theater and Children’s Hospital in Panama, the new Querétaro campus for the University of Arkansas in Mexico, and the architectural design for metro stations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.