An Architect’s 1950s Barcelona Flat Pops With Geometric Color
The founder of Raúl Sánchez Architects restyles his dated corner unit behind a chamfered facade in Barcelona’s Poblenou area.
Inside Residence 0110, a brass-clad structural wall adds a pop of color to the open living area, which is lined on one side with black-stained oak and stainless-steel cabinets, walls, and doors. Throughout the 1,023-square-foot apartment, colorful and geometric details are echoed in accent walls and custom shelves.
Stainless-steel doors and a pink triangle threshold create a unique entryway to the bedrooms.
Raúl Sánchez Architects
Architect Raúl Sánchez purchased the apartment for himself, his wife, and their infant twins just two weeks before Spain’s Covid-19 lockdown began in 2020. He wanted a place that was characteristic of his own design sensibility, using simple shapes, materials, light, and color, to enhance the complexity of the living experience.
The brass-clad central pillar serves as a remnant of the existing structural system.
Raúl Sánchez Architects
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A light-pink accent wall behind the bookshelf ties in with the triangular corridor to the bedrooms.
Raúl Sánchez Architects
The architect tore down and reinforced the structural walls to open up two narrow rooms in the apartment. The central space became an open-plan living room, kitchen, library, and play area.
A tan-leather sofa and circular area rug soften the stark contrasts of color.
Raúl Sánchez Architects
Steps away, a light-pink motif calls out a triangular corridor that gives way to the two bedrooms, one with an en suite bathroom. "It’s a big space where we can live," Raúl says.
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ShopThe black-stained oak walls are meant to blur the limits between the public and private areas.
Raúl Sánchez Architects
The architect designed the kitchen cabinets with black-wood cabinetry and stainless steel.
Raúl Sánchez Architects
Cement floor tiles match accents on the ceiling and walls.
Raúl Sánchez Architects
A pink niche in the bathroom resolves the balance of color.
Raúl Sánchez Architects
Custom door pulls in the bedroom evoke the triangular shape of the transitional space.
Raúl Sánchez Architects
Brass shelves in the bedroom echo the structural pillar in the living area.
Raúl Sánchez Architects
The bathroom also incorporates the recurring triangle motif.
Raúl Sánchez Architects
The en suite bathroom features a walk-in closet with custom shelving.
Raúl Sánchez Architects
Built-in cabinetry fills one wall in the primary bedroom.
Raúl Sánchez Architects
The nursery is situated in the chamfered corner of the 1950s apartment.
Raúl Sánchez Architects
The Residence 0110 floor plan by Raúl Sánchez Architects
Raúl Sánchez Architects
Related Reading:
A Renovation Turns a Once-Abandoned Barcelona Building Into an Airy Home
An Ancient Barcelona Apartment Gets a Colorful, Chic Makeover
Project Credits:
Architect of Record: Raúl Sánchez Architects
Builder/General Contractor: Arq Fai Projects
Structural Engineer: Diagonal Estructuras
Civil Engineer: Marc Mares
Interior Design: Raúl Sánchez Architects
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