RA Apartment | Francesc Rifé Studio

"Since the beginning, the Studio's work has been based on the order in the spaces and rationalism in the elements. But if in addition to harmony and balance we talk about good taste, we would be describing the perfect project. This is the "coincidence" that a great customer can provide sometimes. It has been a pleasure working in this project because we knew it belong to someone who would turn it into something better "-Francesc Rifé.

Our main goal in this project was to reflect the personality and way of life of their owners. The starting point was to develop connections between the past, the present and the future, conceiving the interior in harmony with the building. Through a meticulous process of renovation, we tried to keep most of the architectural elements such as the moldings, the arches and the high ceilings. Its form was absolutely essential and we didn’t want to lose those lines in the main rooms.

We were faced to a duplex whose staircase, with great verticality, was located in the main entrance. Part of the success of the project would be redesigning a new access to the rooms on the upper floor (study area, guests rooms and terrace). The new staircase is strategically projected in the only remained space to avoid the structure to become a "gruyere cheese". We were forced to lose a guest bathroom that was previously attached to it. Its new design, which integrates a large library and windows, sought to provide a new narrative and meaning to the house.

On the one hand, large staircase made us create a one-piece plinth which is used as shelf and storage space that transforms and enters into a glass cubicle where the kitchen (Bulthaup) is located allowing to eat in a high “table”. On the other hand, it becomes a key architectural experience because the distribution of the house is organized from this common space.

The living room is divided into reading area and living where a new fireplace is designed (replacing the previous). Faced with the volume of the kitchen, there is a dining area with furniture belonging to customers: very vivid classics such as the Carl Hansen CH24. Furniture designed by the Studio is combined with sofas, chairs and lighting of iconic designers of the 20th century.

Rooms are clear, minimalists. The height has led us to emphasize special elements like doors with 100% height (3 meters). Wardrobes are built in the coating and the large empty space becomes something purely perfect. A bathroom designed in dolomite marble subtly personalizes that great verticality and clean atmosphere.

Fortunately, the elements of art (of owners), souvenirs of their travels and books show up humble and ongoing way throughout all the rooms, providing the entire house with a wonderful personal touch.

The predominant material is natural oak wood of large format that blends the growth potential offered by the floor plan. The goal was to create a home that speaks a contemporary language through the elimination of all superfluous elements and where natural materials, along with the light and the books take a leading role.

In the upper room the handrail is reconverted into a worktable. In this area we find the Lounge Chair, by Charles and Ray Eames and Cesca Chair, by Marcel Breuer. A new reading zone precedes the terrace with a poetic view of the city of Barcelona.