h3o architects imbue zigzag geometries & vibrant chromatics into barn-turned-house in spain

Situated on the outskirts of Barcelona in Sant Just Desvern, h3o architects have revitalized a 55m2 barn within a traditional Catalan farmhouse, converting it into a bold residential design. Drawing inspiration from the local legend of lightning striking Can Cardona, the resulting dwelling, named Relámpago House, offers a distinctive spatial experience with its dynamic layout, angular designs, and lively color palette. The origins of the house trace back many years at Can Cardona, where, according to reports, lightning struck, illuminating the farmhouse in flames. Recapturing this tale, the renovation project transforms part of the farmhouse, freezing the moment of lightning’s impact within the zigzagging walls. Symbolizing the calm after the storm, the design integrates the enduring stone remnants of the flame into the structure. The house’s name, Relámpago, translates to ‘lightning’ in Spanish, paying homage to the historical significance of the natural phenomenon for the property. The gable-roofed residence incorporates lightning as a central theme, serving a pivotal role in defining and demarcating various sections within the home. Through its transformation into both a wall and a lamp, the lightning element efficiently shapes and organizes the functionality of the interior spaces. 

all images by José Hevia

Exploring Morphology and Color within The Narrative of Relámpago House

‘Relampago House is a project that speaks of one of our great concerns in spatial exploration: morphology and color approached through fantasy. We used the incredible story of lightning that struck the house years ago as a starting point for the design’, explained the team at h3o Architects. In this renovation, the studio seeks to carve out a unique architectural experience, steering away from conventional interiors. The resulting design combines geometries, materials, and colors to bring life and shape to an engaging interior. The house features a zigzagging distribution, shaping different areas with a morphology characterized by lines and angular geometries that seamlessly flow and blend. The strategic application of vibrant colors on various surfaces highlights shapes and distinguishes spaces, creating a playful yet functional ambiance for the inhabitants. Additionally, scattered stone elements, appearing in subtle details like furniture legs or handles, seemingly out of context, contribute to an atmosphere that evokes sensations and memories, transforming the space. Relámpago House goes beyond conventional home design, aiming to introduce a different perspective on everyday life. 

the lightning legend sits on the origin of Relámpago House, captured in the zigzagging of the walls of the project

distributed stone elements, appearing in subtle details like furniture legs or handles, add to an atmosphere that triggers sensations and memories

the interior blends geometry and chromatics to craft a distinctive narrative

introducing a different vision of everyday life, where creativity and originality are the essence of each day

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project info:

name: Relampago house
designer: h3o architects | @h3o_arch

location: Sant Just Desvern, Barcelona 

area: 55 sqm

curated by art direction: Claudia Mauriño

team: Miquel Ruiz Planella, Joan Gener González, Adrià Orriols Camps – Ramon Illan Salas – Marcel Heras Toledo

doors: Eclisse

tiles: Fabresa

bathroom devices: Roca

lights: Monsó i Benet

floor: Ralpe

equipment and furniture: Casa Protea, Domestico Shop

photography: José Hevia

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina petridou | designboom