9 Flats low cost renovation in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona / EMBT

9 Flats low cost renovation in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona / EMBT - Windows, Door, Facade9 Flats low cost renovation in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona / EMBT - Sink, Countertop, Bathroom9 Flats low cost renovation in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona / EMBT - Image 4 of 189 Flats low cost renovation in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona / EMBT - Windows, Bedroom, Bed9 Flats low cost renovation in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona / EMBT - More Images+ 13

  • Architects: EMBT
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  1872
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2012
  • Photographs
    Photographs:Marcela Grassi
  • Architect In Charge: Benedetta Tagliabue, Miralles Tagliabue
  • Project Director And Construction: Salvador Gilabert
  • Collaborators: Mattia Capelletti, Valentina Antinucci, Carolina Brembilla, Lorenzo Trucato, Marta Ruiz Nieto, Santi Nuez
  • Budget Sqm: 700 €
  • City: Barcelona
  • Country: Spain
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9 Flats low cost renovation in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona / EMBT - Windows, Door, Facade
© Marcela Grassi

Text description provided by the architects. The residential building, located in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, has been transformed over different historical periods such as the Renaissance, the Baroque and the modern era to the early twentieth century. It is also surrounded by a high density of historic remains inherited from the reconstructions after the bombings and fires in the city.

9 Flats low cost renovation in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona / EMBT - Table, Windows, Chair
© Marcela Grassi

The intervention focused on research and the discovery of the original. Gothic arches are found fragments of frescoes on the walls, ceramic tiled floor, wooden beams, the cankerworm ceramic and lime mortar, materials and construction elements very representative of traditional Catalan architecture that were returned in order to preserve the identity of the building.

9 Flats low cost renovation in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona / EMBT - Image 15 of 18
Floor Plan

The houses were restored respecting the site’s history, simultaneously spatial redistribution was intended to address the new ways of living and facilitate new technologies. The interior spaces are dilated and light providing a new sense of wellbeing.

9 Flats low cost renovation in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona / EMBT - Windows, Bedroom, Beam
© Marcela Grassi

This overlap of historical elements and new polycarbonate partitions, result and dynamic living spaces that reflect different eras and linking past and present. The building acts as an urban mirror in which the passage of time is reflected.

9 Flats low cost renovation in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona / EMBT - Image 18 of 18
Section

The common terrace gives a sense of freedom in a compact urban core, also allowing the interplay between neighbours, so they can enjoy views of the old town of Barcelona.

9 Flats low cost renovation in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona / EMBT - Image 4 of 18
© Marcela Grassi

The main intent of the process of adaptation of the houses was searching the building’s historical footprints using creative resources at the lowest cost, through a cleaning job, approach and discovery was possible to achieve optimal results.

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Project location

Address:Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
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Cite: "9 Flats low cost renovation in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona / EMBT" 30 Jul 2014. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/530575/9-flats-low-cost-renovation-in-the-gothic-quarter-of-barcelona-embt> ISSN 0719-8884

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