Profile

This is the unfortunate reality that XPIRAL has had to deal with of late. Despite this, the studio continues to pursue a high level of innovation in every project, exploring alternative solutions and searching for like-minded clients. XPIRAL's solutions do not depend entirely on conventional architectural design tools, but are also supported by new technology and multimedia resources.

Despite the riskiness of its commitment to innovation and quality in a crisis situation, XPIRAL has not resiled from its position. This willingness to take a risk has resulted in some great projects, which have been exhibited at, among others, the 2002 Architecture Biennale in Venice, in the 'On-Site' exhibition of Spanish architecture at the MoMA in New York and at Madrid's Botanical Gardens in 2006. XPIRAL's architecture has also garnered several awards: finalist for the FAD award 2000, Architecture Prize Europan 6 in 2001, finalist in the Saloni Awards in 2006, the Second Prize ATEG 2006 and finalist in the European Mies Van der Rohe Award 2009.

XPIRAL's portfolio of built projects includes many interesting houses, usually for wealthy clients, but also some fascinating office buildings, interior designs and innovative urban design plans. Some of the most interesting projects were developed alone, some in collaboration with other studios, like MTM from Madrid or ELAP from Almeria. Its most important projects to date include the Tierra bookshop in Murcia (1999), the Murcia Tennis Club (2002–2004), Pormetxeta Square in Barakaldo (2003–2010), designed in collaboration with MTM and now under construction, the Abarán Strategy Plan for Sustainable Development (2004), its (winning) entry in the international architecture competition for the new 'La Paz' quarter in Murcia, and the Nautical Club in Lo Pagán (2001–2007).

XPIRAL is nowadays one of the best-known offices in south-eastern Spain. In his free time, Javier Peña loves practicing kite surfing, and it seems as if this is mirrored in his conceptual thinking. In other words, he doesn't have a clearly defined style because he is always changing and reinventing himself with a style that depends on the assignment and on what he is interested in at that specific moment. One could say that every new XPIRAL project is a 'backloop jump'. (See also Windsurfer House)