The initial building consists of three volumes separated by partition walls, with heights of four floors, one floor, and two floors respectively. The last two volumes are situated on non-constructible land and are slated for demolition.
The project area encompasses the first two floors, which were originally an industrial workshop. Our commission was to convert this space into a residential building. Currently, the interior is cluttered, with low ceilings and limited natural light and ventilation.
To redefine the space, the goal was to create a two-story residential building with open, taller rooms that offer improved ventilation and natural lighting. Illegal structures and rear extensions of neighboring buildings were demolished to allow light and air into indoor courtyards. The intermediate floor was removed, and the lower floor was lowered by 50 centimeters to increase ceiling height.
△ Removing unnecessary structures
Next, a steel structure was introduced to support an additional floor within the existing volume. This structure extends six meters inward from the main vertical façade, creating a double-height corridor.
△ Steel structure insertion
In cross-section, this steel structure divides the interior into two zones: a narrower service area occupying one-third of the width, and a wider enjoyment space covering the remaining two-thirds. Viewed longitudinally, it creates a flowing sequence of spaces connecting the street to the courtyard.
△ Longitudinal profile
Energy and Materiality: At the entrance, a double-height space functions as a bioclimatic buffer, without a fixed program. The design harmonizes the raw textures of the original building with the clean lines of the new construction. The courtyard hosts an outdoor area adjacent to the restaurant and a garden featuring medium-sized plants.
Design Drawings
△ Floor plan
△ First floor axonometric view
△ Second floor axonometric view
Project Details
Type: Adaptive Reuse, Residential Interior Design
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Architect: Estudi08014
Area: 142 m²
Year: 2020
Photographer: Pol Viladoms
Lead Architects: Adrià Guardiet, Sandra Torres
Structural Engineer: Xavier Gimferer
Construction: Contrast Building
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