IKEA Rio Shopping Centre, Spain

SAS International provides 1200m2 of metal ceiling solutions to the newly refurbished Rio Shopping Mall located in Valladolid, Spain.

The Rio Shopping Centre has recently undergone a major refurbishment which came to completion in July 2024. This refurbishment is the first time an IKEA store has been fully integrated within an enclosed shopping centre.

SAS worked closely with architects at Design International to ensure the end result was cohesive and in keeping with the Scandinavian modernism style that we all recognise as the IKEA hallmark.

To realise this, SAS700 finished in Light Oak from the SAS WoodTones range was specified throughout the restaurant areas and entrances. The creative flexibility of this system allowed for complex geometry to be incorporated throughout the space, with continuous sweeping profiles that wrap around the ceiling structure. The Light Oak sublimated finish delivers a natural warmth to the space that creates a welcoming environment for customers. Complimented by a combination of suspended and integrated third party lighting, the end result is visually striking and in perfect keeping with the IKEA look and feel.

SAS700 was also used along the front facing balcony, adjacent to the escalators. The Light Oak baffles have been vertically mounted in varying heights to create a wavy profile that ties in seamlessly with the ceiling system above. SAS700 is ideally suited to expansive retail environments such as this and is often used in projects that require tight budget control without compromising aesthetic finish.

Within the main restaurant seating area, an array of SAS500 baffles can be seen arranged in intersecting circles that compliment the protruding circular skylights and suspended lighting fixtures. Finished in Silver Grey and Pure White, the baffles provide intriguing visual interest that highlights the central seating area whilst delivering outstanding acoustic performance to ensure noise levels remain conversational.

SAS500 has also been used on the mezzanine walkway, this time in long, continuous stretches running parallel to the glass façade. This system not only provides fantastic acoustic performance in high traffic areas but it also serves as a subtle wayfinding solution that guides customers through the shopping centre.

SAS are proud to have worked alongside main contractors, Inexo, to deliver this project and bring the architect's concept to life.