wooden boxes form the interior of this renovated mezzanine apartment by vora in barcelona

within the neighborhood of poblenou, in barcelona, architecture studio vora has completed the refurbishment of an old store, turning it into a residence with an integrated filming studio for a couple of professionals. built in 1906 as a small space with a mezzanine and a backyard, the structure has been re-designed to house an extended living environment along with a workspace for the occupants. 

all images by adrià goula

during the refurbishment, vora decided to create a double space opening next to the rear façade, thus allowing direct natural light to illuminate the entire apartment. the filming studio is placed under the terrace, which is the darkest and therefore most suitable space, and is designed to be connected to the living room, to facilitate the residents who work from home. the ground floor concentrates the common areas, while the first floor allocates the bedroom. the staircase is installed at the corner, making a direct link between the living room and the terrace.

the configuration of the interior space is achieved with the use of wooden boxes that contain different functions (bathrooms, closets, bed), thus generating a fluid but articulated space. on the first floor, these boxes do not reach the ceiling, allowing a total perception of space. meanwhile, the main circulation of the house is organized around the living room: the ascent to the terrace, the back gallery and an open walkway to access the bedrooms. 

stairs, walkways, and railings are built on steelworks, and are formed to be purposely thin, almost non-existent. in addition to these slim railings, some sections of sheet steel form curved sections that fit the truncated geometry of the plan. as far as finishes are concerned, the design combines plastered walls with painted masonry to complete the light interior. the flooring takes shape as continuous microcement, and the boxes are built with plywood with birch finish. in the entrance space, outside, and on the terrace, the natural colors of the masonry have been preserved, unpainted.

project info:

name: dan and imma’s apartment 
architects: vora (pere buil, toni riba)
project team: zoí casimiro, marina pina, pol bosch, aleksandra mazewska
contractor: fórneas-guida
location: carrer roc boronat. barcelona
area: 110 sqm (1184 sqft)