PLAÇA DEL VI | Almeda Estudi

The project is named after its location, honouring a historic square in the old town of Girona. Plaça del Vi (Wine square in Catalan) is surrounded by noble buildings, traditionally (since the 15th
century) dwelled by highborn families.

The project embraces a full refurbishing of a 135 m2 space on the second floor. The building was erected using dimension stones and balconies with wrought iron rails. It has natural light from three facades. The stairs of the block follow the architectural uniqueness and the roots of the building, keeping the natural marble steps and the original elevator, with wood and wrought iron embellishments, visible cables and interiors reflecting the passage of time.

Originally, the apartment was divided into two clearly designated areas. The servants quarters, in
the west, were less luxurious and more functional, with the kitchen, a drug storage area, a bedroom and a loo at the end of a narrow corridor. The owners' area, in the east, was better
illuminated and had views to the square and to Pont de Pedra (Bridge of stone in Catalan). The
access was through a hall leading you either to the living room or a corridor connecting the two
bedrooms and the toilette.

The refurbishment implies a qualitative leap for the property, without losing any of its soul and
essence. There are new openings to get a wider floor and provide new perspectives from all spots. The three facades and this more diaphanous vision, notably enhance the entrance of natural light, giving every surface extra illumination and brightness. Each space is redefined, and all spots grant the right user’s flow in terms of circulation, coherence and comfort.

The daily area is located in the first shed, where we can also find the access to the residence. It
includes a diaphanous surface where the kitchen, the dining area and the living area share space. Thanks to the balconies in both facades (east and west), this multipurpose hall is suffused with light and has a crossed ventilation.

The nightly area is located in the second shed, and could actually be perceived as an elongation of the daily area, due to their close connection. The main suite and the library are totally open to the space, but they can be conveniently privatised using two sliding doors made of glass with metallic frames in an industrial style. They are an identity hallmark of the project.

Mixing past and present, the intervention incorporates a sober play of materials in coexistence with the history of the premise. All elements and materials have been painstakingly restored, for
instance, the stone walls, the arch, the original wooden openings.

Visual harmony is sovereign, and there is an ongoing dialogue between spaces and a play of
contrasts given by the browns and ochres of the natural oak parquet, the stones and the black
lacquers of the beams, the furniture and the installations, offering in turn, personality and character to the apartment.