BOQUERIA

Complete refurbishment of a corner apartment

Location Ciutat Vella, Barcelona
Year 2013
Status Built
Floor area 64m2
Photos Gerard García

This historic apartment renovation transforms an obsolete corner property in Barcelona’s iconic Gothic Quarter. The original layout featured a highly fragmented distribution with dark, narrow rooms. The architectural program completely reconfigures the space. It creates a functional, contemporary home optimized for the rental market.

The new open-plan design places the living room, dining area, and main bedroom along the street facade to maximize natural light. In contrast, the kitchen, a home office, a full bathroom and a utility room occupy the interior courtyard zone. To honor the building’s structural heritage, original stone walls and rustic materials were left completely exposed. A custom sliding door partitions the street-facing spaces when needed.

Seamless glass partitions bond the custom furniture to the historic ceilings. This transparent architectural detail prevents visual fragmentation, maintaining an open feel throughout the layout.

Finally, the material palette creates a bold artistic contrast. Minimalist white walls and sleek gray flooring highlight the original textures. This monochrome backdrop contrasts with a vibrant yellow accent chosen for the central door. Acting as a sculptural reference point, this colorful feature remains visible from every perspective within the apartment.