00:02We are really inspired by Aino and Alvar Aalto's architecture design that
00:08prioritise comfort, well-being, warmth and are centred on the user experience.
00:16The space had to be suitable for a young family to grow into, so it was designed
00:22to be practical and allow adaptability in the future. Materiality can allow a
00:29space to be minimal while still having character and coziness. While the kids are
00:35young, they wanted them to be able to share space rather than be in separate rooms.
00:42I'm Vincent Parasi from the Atelier Parasi Architects based in Barcelona.
00:48I designed this project with Sara Suárez-Major from Pavilion 33.
01:01This apartment is located in the Poblesec district, an area situated at the foot of the iconic
01:08Montjuic Hill in Barcelona. The district has a modest neighbourhood with industrial origins.
01:15There is a public square located right next door, there is a kids' play park, exercise
01:20equipment, and of course outdoor seating areas and restaurants.
01:27The original apartment reflected the way of life at the time when the building was built.
01:33The terrace of floors were partially covered with thin wooden slats.
01:37And the kitchen was quite cute, but stuck in the past.
01:42Its biggest issue was the lack of fluidity between spaces and it was really fragmented.
01:47With a small enclosed kitchen and living room, a useless corridor and three rooms with poorly
01:53balanced sizes.
01:57We moved the bathroom further from the bedrooms and opened up the living kitchen area to create
02:04better flow in the house.
02:06After the initial build, we added furniture elements in the living room to improve functionality.
02:11In the bedroom, we created an office nook.
02:15And we combined two other bedrooms to create a larger kids' room, which could be separated
02:20in the future to give each child their own space.
02:26You don't need more space, you need better ideas.
02:29Think storage that works harder, bench space that stretches further, furniture that does
02:34more than one job, and flexible ideas for cooking, dining, and working from home.
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03:04Upon entering, you are greeted by a full-height birch cabinet for storing jackets, shoes, and
03:10bags.
03:11It's a convenient spot to put down things like keys, lipstick, and subway carts.
03:17This is accompanied by a small, rounded chest that serves both as storage units, a bench
03:24for putting on shoes, and an extra seat in the living room.
03:29It also acts as a partition, shielding the living room from view from the front door.
03:36The living room is compact, but quite functional.
03:42The long unit holds a turntable with a compartment to display records.
03:48It has space for books, video games, and controllers.
03:56It also has an alcohol for storing stools, and storage for office supplies.
04:06The sofa has enough room for all four family members to sit and enjoy a movie together.
04:14It can also be turned into a bed, and has been used this way many times when granddad visits.
04:22The family wanted a cinema atmosphere, so we installed a projector above the sofa.
04:30The coffee table is on wheels, so it can be easily moved around as needed.
04:37It can rise up to be used as an extra dining table, and there are four stools hidden in the
04:43size.
04:48The circular dining table is extendable to fit more people.
04:54Above the table, there is a small discreet ceiling fan that looks like a light.
05:02There is a large storage unit next to the table, which holds some cleaning items, books, and
05:08more stools.
05:11The balcony is a nice spot to step out for a coffee, dry clothes, or store some larger items.
05:19It's good to have a small outdoor space, especially for kids.
05:24The floor in the apartment is terrazzo, and having one material throughout the apartment improves
05:31the feeling of an open space.
05:37The kitchen runs along both sides of the wall in a galley style.
05:43It was custom made in the same budge ply material and a neutral stone worktop which is highly durable.
05:53The backsplash is tied with accent blue grout.
05:57We extended it to the full height of the wall to help make the room feel more spacious.
06:05On one side, there is an integrated dishwasher, storage, and also a washing machine.
06:13On the other side, we created a last storage unit for the fridge, pantry, and there is a
06:20niche here for the microwave and kettle.
06:25On one of the doors, there is ventilation to hold our air flow for the boiler.
06:32The worktop extends out into the living space to create a rounded breakfast bar.
06:38It's a nice place for people to sit to keep the cook company.
06:43Sometimes the kids do their homework here while their parents prepare dinner.
06:49We extended the door frames to the ceiling to create a sense of height which echoes the
06:55joinery design in the rest of the home.
06:58The family added a tall mirror at the end of the hallway which helps to reflect light into
07:04the space.
07:08The children's room is large and spacious.
07:12The children are currently showing a bunk bed which allows them to have more space to
07:17play.
07:20This room was designed so that it can be divided into two rooms in the future, when the children
07:27get older.
07:29In the center of the room, they place their eye care desk back to back.
07:35So they can each have their own space but also have access to a large surface when needed.
07:42On the other side of the room, there is storage for all of their clothes and toys.
07:53The master bedroom is quite simple.
07:57The closet fits perfectly in the space.
08:01And their bed also has storage benefit, with room for seasonal items.
08:12The work area takes advantage of a recess in the kitchen wall.
08:18Because the cabinet behind it didn't need to be that deep.
08:22The desk has a small drawer and tiles on the wall, to make it feel like a unique space in
08:28the room.
08:32The bathroom is near the entrance, to be far from the bedrooms.
08:37The two sinks allow both children to get ready at the same time.
08:42And the round mirror soften the straight lines in the room.
08:47The toilet cistern is hidden, to create a more aesthetically pleasing and seamless tile surface.
08:55The tiles have terracotta grout to match the color with the walls above.
09:04The shower bench was useful when the kids were younger, but now it's mainly used for
09:10placing soap and shampoo.
09:15The family have added the shelves from Rikea to store their towels and toiletries.
09:23It's hard to find affordable large apartments in Barcelona.
09:29So refurbishing this small space allowed us to make it functional enough for family to
09:34make their home.
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