Antònia and Roger’s new house in Poblenou, Barcelona, makes the most of a narrow plot through a functional and efficient layout. Colour accents, gestures drawn from Mediterranean architecture, and a striking blue staircase give the project a distinct identity.

The clients came to us looking for someone who could build a house. However, the project had a  rather unusual circumstance: construction had already begun, as Antònia & Roger had developed an initial project with another architect. At that stage, the structure had already been defined, but we could still figure out a layout and the overall look and feel of the house. Despite initial uncertainties, we took on the challenge of adapting to what had already been built, working to the rhythm of the construction process and engaging closely with the family’s needs and expectations.

We distributed the program across the three levels, leaving the common areas on the lower ground floor and the private ones on the other two. The ground floor is conceived as a transitional space between street and patio, with an open kitchen designed as a flexible area. Both the façade and the interior and exterior floors are finished with rectangular beige terracotta tiles, establishing a material continuity that unifies the different spaces.

On the upper floors, a warmer and more domestic atmosphere was created through timber flooring. The connection between these two areas is articulated by a staircase that, on the ground floor, is perceived as a robust volume integrating the bathroom and storage, and which becomes progressively lighter as it rises. Built in metal, its perforations and balustrade filter light from a skylight down to the lower level. The safety of this element was also essential, given the couple’s two young children. The second level accomodates two bedrooms, while the top floor houses a flexible room that functions as a playroom and laundry, opening onto a terrace overlooking the patio.

The introduction of small gestures and details helped to give the project a distinct and cohesive character. We wanted the house to feel luminous and open, and to be flexible enough to support everyday family routines as well as entertaining. Terracotta tiles, built-in furniture and seating give the space timelessness rooted in Mediterranean architecture, while the metal structure in striking blue and the exposed silver heating pipes add a more playful and contemporary feel. The house incorporates an aerothermal energy system and ETICS façades.