Casa Bou

Building Renovation in Barcelona

  • Categories Residential
  • Status Completed
  • Year 2019-2020
  • Location Barcelona, Spain
  • Area 380m2 int | 57m2 ext
  • Collaborators egami Studio
    VERA Interiors
    Joana Reis Lourenço da Chão – Architect
    Lux Home | Construction

This project involved the refurbishment of a residential building in Barcelona, transforming its floors into a series of apartments designed for short-term rental. A single architectural layout was implemented throughout the residential floors, establishing a clear architectural language while allowing each apartment to be distinguished through its finishes and interior decoration.

Occupying a long and narrow floor plan of approximately 57 m², each apartment is organised to maximise natural light and minimise circulation. The living room occupies the street façade, while two bedrooms are positioned towards the quieter rear of the building. A centrally located bathroom separates the day and night areas, allowing the living spaces to remain open and connected.

The kitchen is conceived as an integral part of the living space rather than as a separate room. A generous island combines food preparation, dining and everyday use, becoming the social centre of the apartment. Patterned grey hydraulic tiles, inspired by Barcelona’s architectural heritage, define the kitchen and dining zone, while the surrounding continuous grey flooring reinforces the perception of an open and unified living space.

The intervention also sought to recover the character of the existing building. Brick walls hidden beneath layers of plaster were carefully exposed, while the timber ceiling beams, previously painted white, were revealed and highlighted as defining features of the interiors. Together with bespoke black cabinetry, these elements establish a dialogue between the building’s historic fabric and the contemporary intervention. Although each apartment features different hydraulic tile patterns, finishes and furnishings, the underlying architectural concept remains consistent throughout the building.

The refurbishment extends beyond the individual apartments to the communal rooftop terrace, conceived as a shared outdoor living space. Equipped with an open-air kitchen, barbecue and lounge area, it offers a place for gathering while enjoying panoramic views over the rooftops of Barcelona.

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