Location: El Pueblo Seco, Barcelona, Spain  

Architects: Octave Petit and Marc Mazeres  Area: 102 m²  

Completion Year: 2020  

Photography: Milena Villalba  

Curated by: Agustina Coulleri  

Project Type: Apartment Renovation, Interior Design

Project Description:

Situated on the ninth and top floor of a conventional residential building from the 1970s in Barcelona's Montjuic area, this penthouse refurbishment by architects Octave Petit and Marc Mazeres masterfully reimagines urban living. The apartment, originally set back from two opposing facades, boasts dual terraces offering unparalleled views: a main south-facing terrace overlooks the sea, Montjuic, and the Poble Sec neighborhood, while the north-facing terrace provides vistas of the Collserola mountains and Barcelona's iconic skyline, including landmarks like the Sagrada Familia and Torre Agbar.

Design Philosophy:

The renovation introduces a central band that connects the two terraces, creating a dynamic dialogue between the interior spaces and their spectacular surroundings. This axis not only enhances the flow within the apartment but also segregates living spaces based on their use—daytime areas to the south and nighttime areas to the north. The integration of new openings in the facade amplifies the connection with the outdoors, drawing in natural light and framing the city and sea beautifully.

Architectural and Interior Highlights:

The apartment's internal circulation revolves around the building’s vertical access core, with spaces that expand and contract, delineating isolated zones. The redesign strategically opens up these areas, fostering a more integrated living experience. The renovation respects the original roof's dual-pitched geometry, adjusting floor levels to differentiate zones based on their function. Storage areas, a pantry, and a traditional fireplace ("llar de foc") are neatly incorporated under elevated platforms, optimizing space usage.

The living area is distinguished by a suspended office space, featuring wood-slat screens that offer both visual interest and functional separation, doubling as a ceiling for the lounge area below. Above the master bedroom, a new loft provides a cozy guest space, enhancing the apartment's functionality.

Exterior Integration:

To maximize enjoyment of the terraces, pergolas are strategically placed over new openings to modulate sunlight throughout the year, allowing full sunlight penetration in winter and shade during the summer. The dining area and fireplace are elevated on a concrete platform, aligning with the new outdoor decking. This design enables the seamless merging of indoor and outdoor spaces, particularly in the summer, through large sliding glass doors.

Conclusion:

The Montjuic Penthouse Renovation is a testament to thoughtful architectural rejuvenation, enhancing the essence of its location while providing modern comforts and efficiencies. Through clever spatial reorganization and sensitive material selection, Octave Petit and Marc Mazeres have crafted a living space that is not only functional but also deeply connected to its unique urban and natural landscapes.