Reuse of two Buidings in the Born district , in Barcelona (Spain)

The two buildings which are part of this adaptive reuse are located in the old core of Barcelona, on one of the most representative streets of the Born District, next to Santa María del Mar.

The original buildings date back to the end of the 16th century and the beginning of the 17th Century. There were, however, later additions and modifications which have altered the original construction.

The state of deterioration found in the buildings, the lack of natural light, and the lack of functionality of its circulation cores, demanded an important degree of intervention. To do this, we respected the original structure of the supporting walls, courtyards, and the most significant pre-existing conditions were kept and their expression maximized.

The aforementioned interventions included the re-enforcement of the structure and foundations, the replacement of slabs, the creation of a new courtyard or "green patio", and the creation of new communication cores as the buildings' spinal axes which now take on a presence they lacked before. The original interior distribution is modified to give room to new functional requirements.

The proposed goal was the creation of diaphanous, warm, bright, secluded and quiet interior spaces, in which one could feel comfortable and protected from the intensity of the neighboring streets. The distribution of the units revolves around different courtyards which freshen up and fill with light the interior spaces, and maximize privacy.
During the development of this project, particular attention was given to natural light, textures, materials, details, and furnishing selection. The new lives harmoniously with the old.

The roof regains its social function as a place for recreation, being a communal space. The shade of the pergola, the presence of water, the aromas of Mediterranean vegetation, the bells of Santa María del Mar and the views of Old Barcelona are an invitation to leisure and relaxing.