Anna and Eugeni Bach transform a classic Barcelonese home respecting original elements
This project is a full transformation of a residence, dating from 1910, in Barcelona’s Ensanche district. In its 100 year history, and except for one-off modernisations, it had never been altered.
Despite of its poor state, the ceilings, with their magnificent roses and mouldings, the tinted cement-tile flooring and some of the original carpentry work had held up well. From the onset, it was decided that the original layout would be kept – so the ceilings and floors were left untouched. Alterations would be focussed on spaces that didn’t have these gorgeous features.
In order to meet this objective, the architecture studio of Anna and Eugeni Bach worked piece by piece making sure that the new programme would respect the spaces already laid down by the original floors and ceilings. Wardrobes and cupboards were built-in, and non supporting walls were moved without altering original demarcations. By doing this, functionality was achieved without sacrificing the original layout. In order to gain a sensation of space, an interesting composition of mirrors was installed.
All the original carpentry was kept intact, either in its original place or by moving it to other more suitable ambiances. A new kitchen and en-suite were installed, respecting the original flooring and the postion of the windows to the interior patio.
The ample height of the apartment has also been utilised. In the bathroom of the en-suite, a new floor was laid that added 60 cm to the original, allowing for a sunken bath as well as a handy storage space underneath the flooring, which is accessed from the hall next to the kitchen. This also implied the installation of three steps from the bedroom – denoting the space with a domestic gesture more common in family homes.
Another characteristic space is the very long hallway – very common in apartments in the Ensanche area of Barcelona. This had the ideal width to convert it into something more. Built-in shelves were installed along its length, using as well low furniture of the same longness, converting it to a massive storage element.
The Ikea table lamps hung upside down on the ceiling add a surreal touch whilst affording a precise and pleasant lighting solution. Other furnishing elements worth mentioning are the Slow easy chair by the Bouroullec brothers and the Plastic chairs by Eames in the salon, both from Vitra’s, and the Coderch lamp in the main bedroom.
