Loft in an old carpenter's workshop in Barcelona

Loft in an old carpenter's workshop in Barcelona

© David Benito Cortázar

The main goal of the project's authors, FFWD Arquitectes, was to adapt this building for residential use while preserving its key structural elements that give the space charm and uniqueness.

To achieve this, brick and stone walls were stripped of thick layers of plaster, and wooden ceiling beams damaged by termites were reinforced.

Elements preserved in this way form the building's upper shell — its walls and roof. The new component of the structure is a polished concrete floor that acts as a connecting element filling the entire base and forming a multi-level living space.

Some pieces of built-in furniture are integrated into the floor and made from brick with a concrete facing — such as the living room sofas, kitchen tables, or bathroom sinks.

Intimate zones like bathrooms or wardrobes are created using enclosed boxes. These also help separate bedrooms from the day areas of the house.

The layout features of the residence were derived from the client's requirements. He wanted a small, independent apartment for hosting frequent guests throughout the year. The rest of the time, this space can be used as a studio. Hence, the house is conceived as two self-contained units that can function independently when needed.

Photography: David Benito Cortázar