IN A 15TH-CENTURY BUILDING IN THE CENTER OF BARCELONA, RESIDES A RESEARCHER AND HIS PARTNER. WE DESIGNED AN OUTDOOR SPACE AIMED AT IMPROVING THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE
The residence is situated in one of the oldest areas of Barcelona. Its walls exude antiquity and echo thousands of stories. The building has undergone restoration, aligning it with contemporary needs. Then came our turn to revive a lost outdoor space and integrate it into the daily use of the residence.
We proposed dividing the space into three areas to meet the residents’ needs. A sports and shower area, with space for storing bicycles. Another section would serve as a workspace and dining area. Finally, we envisioned a serene corner for contemplation and meditation.
The place possessed soul and character, awaiting to be heard. After working with the client, we agreed that material selection was one of the priorities. It was very important to be able to sense the diverse textures beneath the feet.
The preexisting elements in the garden underwent transformation and were repurposed. We went for the construction of new dividing walls to structure the space. The pavement itself was transformed into a piece of furniture by transitioning to a vertical plane to accommodate a water feature. Additionally, the client provided chestnut trunk stools and 19th-century French garden furniture pieces.
The diversity of plants was crucial to reinforce the connection with nature. The primary element was wood, expressed in various forms such as the platform and trunk pavement. The structural vegetation consists of dense shrubs: Photinia sp, Eugenia sp, Phyllostachys sp, which contrasts with the tree species like Punica granatum, Citrus limon, Olea europaea, Ficus carica, and Ficus elastica, along with striking specimens like Strelitzia augusta. The flowering and fragrant plant elements, along with the aromatic herbs, set the rhythm for each season of the year.
“I needed someone to help me feel the cycle of nature. I work 14 hours from home, and now I can enjoy nature. I have turned into an urban gardener”.
