The renovation of this penthouse in the heart of the Eixample in Barcelona is a project full of meaning for its owners: Ricard Barry Valentin and Sylvain van Alphen. The couple living in Amsterdam is found here “The perfect opportunity to maintain a close relationship with Barcelona, where they met and where Rijkaard's family lives.” a point hector navarro, The architect responsible for the renovation collaborated with Sylvain, who has his own interior design studio: StudioSVA.
Navarro says the complicity between the two was key in shaping a space that not only reflects his taste in design, but also respects the city's architectural heritage and incorporates the family history of Ricard, whose grandfather “ran a business that devoted himself to painting.” Furniture and lamps, including statement pieces designed by Catalan Josep Maria Magim. In fact, the couple restored some of them, including two of the vines in the dining room and the orange table in the bedroom, which can be seen below.
The architect's biggest challenge was to make the space, previously fragmented, appear “vast and fluid.”Jose Hevia Blush
An urban refuge to enjoy Barcelona's natural scenery
The renovation process starts “from the need to transform the space into an urban refuge from which to dominate the city landscape,” explains the architect. Originally the house was very compartmentalized – the house had two bedrooms, a closed kitchen, a small dining room and two hallways – Navarro eliminated all internal partitions, leaving one U-shaped space of 55 square metres. “The main challenge was to make it feel spacious, flexible and full of natural light,” he says.
From the large balcony of this penthouse you can see Barcelona. The dining table is the model Palisade, From the Bouroullec brothers to Hay. The modular sofa is the model orlando, From the Danish brand Polia.Jose Hevia Blush
The terrace plays a major role in the renovation process. It is designed as an extension of the interior. Sliding doors hidden in the facade ensure that both spaces are perceived as one.Jose Hevia Blush
To achieve this, the balcony plays a key role. Designed as an extension of the interior, to enhance the indoor-outdoor connection, sliding doors were installed that are hidden in the facade when opened. In this way, it becomes a natural extension of the living room throughout most of the year. “The views are unbeatable. It extends from the sea to Tibidabo and Sagrada Familia and provides a direct connection between the house and Barcelona's urban landscape.
