A redesign that balances tradition and modernity, evoking the essence

Stories that return: a reform with Catalan roots

A project that revalues the constructive essence of the past through a contemporary perspective.

This project takes shape in the revitalization of a 1960s apartment, originally purchased by the owners from their Catalan great-aunt. The couple, Mexican with Catalan ancestry, have lived in various parts of the world, including Mexico, the United States, and France, and have renovated this Barcelona residence to spend their retirement there, reconnecting with their roots. The renovation, which retains the original Merbau tropical hardwood flooring for its durability and elegance, focuses on opening up compartmentalized spaces and giving them new life with a contemporary design that respects their family history.

The flooring extends seamlessly from the interior to the terrace, reinforcing the connection with the outdoors. One material stands out as the key element of the redesign: glazed ceramic tiles. This carefully selected material symbolizes both the Mediterranean architectural heritage and the fluid transition between interior and exterior spaces, lending aesthetic coherence and a sense of belonging to the home.
Glazed ceramic tiles find versatile uses throughout the house, from baseboards to key pieces like the partition between the entrance and living room. This piece integrates storage solutions and a seating area, adding functionality without compromising aesthetics. The dining table, with a glazed ceramic base and a robust wooden top from Roses, the family's home region, is a key element that lends character and authenticity to the space.
The kitchen, conceived as a multifunctional space that flows seamlessly into the dining area, was designed with an open and modern layout in mind. The countertops and sink are made of glazed ceramic, providing a smooth finish that contrasts with the backsplash clad in pieces reminiscent of the original ceramic vaults. Finished in Sable LAMINATE, the kitchen maintains a balance between functionality and aesthetics. The aluminum cabinets with a Metal LAMINATE finish add a touch of modernity and shine, in keeping with the owners' desire to maintain a bright and airy feel.

The open-plan space encompassing the kitchen, dining room, office, and living room, now spacious and connected to the terrace, is one of the project's most significant achievements. The addition of a circular side window evokes the curves of the 1960s, a nod to the nostalgia of that era that the owners wished to evoke.

The bathrooms, meanwhile, complement the warm tones of the flooring with refreshing green wall coverings and WOOD Cherry finishes, maintaining visual and textural continuity. Every corner of the home blends the old with the new, reflecting the eclectic lifestyle of the owners, who have accumulated pieces throughout their moves: furniture from the Paris Flea Market, flooring imported from France, and decorative details that evoke their time in Mexico and Catalonia.

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The biggest challenge of the renovation was balancing updated finishes with respect for the essence of the 1960s, ensuring that even as the space was transformed to meet current needs, the family's memories would continue to resonate. The result is a home that has evolved into a living work of art, where glazed ceramics take center stage and the life stories of its inhabitants are etched into every corner.

Project:

Allaround Lab

Photographies:

Germán Sáiz