Nook architects: G-Roc

Nook architects completed the fourth intervention in the same building in Barcelona recovering and consolidating its original spirit with a subtle restoration.

G-Roc is Nook architects’ fourth intervention on the same building.

With three similar interventions finished, it was easy to identify a common denominator in terms of solutions, therefore defining and strengthening the distinguishing traits of this assignment.

The additional ceiling height was key to making the decision of constructing a loft, providing the option of placing a bed upstairs. This way the lower floor is liberated and two different zones are created, allowing several options of using these as a study, living room or a dressing room. This would even allow the creation of two different bedrooms with individual access to the shared, newly created gallery-bathroom. The result is a dwelling with very similar day zones as the rest of our interventions on the building, but with greater versatility on the interior zones.

Nook architects, G-Roc, Barcelona, Spain

On previous projects Nook liberated the interior space by recovering patios and terraces to allow the dwelling to breath towards the back of the building. This time, however, they considered the interior gallery to be an indispensable element which should not be broken apart from the rest of the interior space. The old bathroom, was a miniscule enclosure, so they decided to extract the wash basin and placed it on the opposite side of the gallery, widening its use and making it more luminous. The more private areas of the bathroom became more ample, especially the shower.

The constructive solution for the loft, a unique element to the project, is also used as a finishing texture. For this was used modular concrete timbering planks, which not only offer structural resistance but also color and texture. Its synthetic melamine resin based protection makes the timber’s natural yellow color to become livelier. The same planks has been used for the custom built bathroom cabinet and two protect the lower part of the walls. Given that the building is used for rental apartments, durability is a priority for the owners who wish to reduce maintenance.