Alicantinas for decorating, organising and protecting library spaces from the sun

There are solutions that become part of a place long before they are incorporated into its architecture. In Sax (Alicante), to speak of ‘Alicantine’ shutters is to speak of tradition, craftsmanship and a way of protecting oneself from the sun that has managed to remain relevant over time.

The refurbishment of the study and reading room at Sax Municipal Library (Alicante) revives this feature, which is so closely linked to the town’s identity, and takes it in a new direction.

A set of Saxun Ideal Alicante-style shutters has been incorporated into the interior as a decorative and functional solution. Their presence brings the warmth of wood, helps to define the different areas and provides protection from the sun’s rays in a space designed for studying, reading and letting your imagination run wild wherever a story begins.

Cutting-edge with traditional roots

The Alicante-style shutter is one of the most recognisable sun protection systems in our traditional architecture. And much of its charm still lies in the very things that make it so simple.

For this project, a series of wooden ‘Alicantinas Ideal’ have been installed, made from high-quality pine that has been treated and varnished but left unpainted, so as to preserve the natural appearance of the wood.

Its horizontal slats are cut to size and joined using the distinctive galvanised wire hooks. This design allows each blind to roll up easily and take up very little space when open.

From sun protection to an interior design feature

The Alicantina has long since ceased to be used solely for doors, balconies and windows. Its design allows for new applications to be explored within contemporary interior design, as demonstrated by the Sax Municipal Library.

Here, the natural-finish wood complements the furniture and creates a warm, serene atmosphere, which is particularly well suited to a space dedicated to concentration and reading.

But these blinds serve another, less common purpose. Installed from the ceiling, they act as light partitions between different areas of the library and provide visual continuity with the furniture situated beneath them. The result is an open-plan space that is organised without resorting to rigid partitions or losing the sense of spaciousness.

And when you want to restore the connection between rooms, the blinds can be easily raised. The space changes with them and adapts to the needs of the moment. This ability to transform fits particularly well in public spaces that need to cater for different uses throughout the day. A solution designed to control the sun thus finds an unexpected function: organising the interior without enclosing it.

A bit of Sax in his library

This project demonstrates how a product originally designed to provide shade and protection from the sun can be integrated into contemporary spaces, take on new functions and still retain its recognisable character.

And doing so in Sax, of all places, gives it a special significance. The town, which is closely linked to the history of the Alicante-style shutter, has now incorporated this feature into one of its most iconic public spaces.

Local tradition, wood and design come together in a library that also reflects how we want to live in today’s spaces.

A simple yet unique project that showcases the craftsmanship associated with this product and reminds us that transforming a space does not always require inventing something new. Sometimes it is enough simply to discover new possibilities in things that have been with us for a long time.