Barcelona, a city renowned for its vibrant architecture and Mediterranean charm, has recently welcomed a remarkable refurbishment project by the architects Anna & Eugeni Bach. The “Green House” in Sants, Barcelona, exemplifies how thoughtful design can transform a modest urban home into a lush, inviting retreat. This project seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living, creating a harmonious space that embraces the natural environment while offering modern comforts.
Green House in Barcelona Technical Information
- Architects1-2: Anna & Eugeni Bach / Bach arquitectes
- Location: Sants, Barcelona, Spain
- Topics: House Renovations
- Area: 150 m2
- Completion Date: 2024
- Photographs: © Eugeni Bach
Turning the existing garden into an other room of the house creates an oasis within the neighborhood where much of the daily activity happens while enjoying the pleasant Mediterranean climate.
– Bach Architects
Green House in Barcelona Photographs
Embracing Outdoor Living
The essence of the Green House project lies in its celebration of outdoor living. The architects have ingeniously converted the existing garden into an integral part of the home. By moving the kitchen outdoors and creating a new open-air room under the canopy of a dense ficus tree, they have crafted a space that invites residents and guests to cook, dine, and socialize while basking in the Mediterranean climate. This design not only maximizes the use of the garden but also establishes a serene oasis within the bustling neighborhood. The open-air room becomes a focal point for daily activities, fostering a sense of community and connection to nature.
Innovative Structural Design
A strategic rethinking of space drove the renovation and extension of the two-story house. The architects relocated the kitchen outside, freeing the interior for a spacious living and dining area. The new volume, constructed with a structure of wood and glass reminiscent of a greenhouse, ensures that natural light permeates the ground floor. Despite its transparency, the structure is strategically placed to avoid excessive solar exposure, thanks to the shadows cast by surrounding buildings. This clever use of materials and placement enhances the aesthetic appeal and ensures energy efficiency and comfort.
The new façade of the extension stands apart from the existing vertical lines of the property, revealing two original arches that now serve as a graceful transition between the living room and the new gallery housing the kitchen and study. This separation allows for greater flexibility and space optimization, enhancing the functionality and flow of the home. The subtle inflections in the new envelope provide additional space in high-activity areas, both indoors and on the patio, creating a dynamic and adaptable living environment.
Respecting the Original Structure
While the ground floor underwent a significant transformation, the first floor saw minimal intervention. The architects made minor adjustments to the furniture and reconfigured the living room/study to suit the residents’ needs better. This approach demonstrates respect for the original structure, intervening only where necessary to enhance functionality without compromising the home’s character. By preserving the integrity of the existing building, the architects maintain a delicate balance between old and new, creating a cohesive and harmonious design.
In conclusion, the Green House project by Anna & Eugeni Bach is a testament to the power of thoughtful architectural design. It showcases how a modest urban home can transform into a vibrant, modern oasis seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor living. Through innovative use of space, materials, and respect for the original structure, the architects have created a home that is aesthetically pleasing but also functional and sustainable. This project is a shining example of contemporary architecture that honors the past while embracing the future.
Green House in Barcelona Plans
Green House in Barcelona Image Gallery
About Anna & Eugeni Bach
Anna and Eugeni Bach are a renowned architectural duo based in Barcelona, celebrated for their innovative and thoughtful design approach. Focusing on blending modernity with tradition, their projects often emphasize the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. They have garnered international acclaim for their ability to create functional yet aesthetically pleasing environments, as demonstrated in their recent work on the Green House project. Their practice, Bach Arquitectes, continues to push the boundaries of contemporary architecture, balancing sustainable practices with timeless design.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Promoter: Private
- Constructor: Restyle Works SL
