November 28, 2016

Loft MDP by FFWD Arquitectes

Old carpenter’s workshop situated in Barcelona turned into an amazing loft MDP apartment by FFWD Arquitectes.

Rustic brick and wood beamed ceiling frame an open, minimalist living space with custom built-ins.

A rustic, open-concept living space with exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and modern furnishings.

A rustic living space with exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and modern furniture.

Rustic kitchen features exposed brick walls, wood ceiling beams, and industrial-style appliances.

Rustic brick walls, modern gray island, retro blue refrigerator, industrial chic design.

Rustic brick interior with industrial-style glass and metal framing, comfortable furnishings.

Rustic brick walls and wood-beam ceiling create a modern loft-like interior with sliding doors.

Rustic loft-style bedroom with exposed brick walls, wooden ceiling beams, and concrete flooring.

A cozy bedroom with exposed stone walls, wood ceiling beams, and a vibrant red rug.

Rustic brick walls, exposed beams, and minimalist furnishings create a cozy bedroom ambiance.

A modern bathroom with concrete walls, a floating vanity, and a glass shower enclosure.

A modern bathroom with a minimalist design, featuring a white sink, glass shower, and recessed lighting.

Modern bathroom with exposed stone wall, sleek vanity, and recessed lighting.

About Loft MDP

We aimed to refurbish an old carpenter’s workshop in Barcelona’s Poble Sec neighborhood. Our goal was to make it livable while keeping its key structural elements.

Preserving Character

These elements were poorly maintained. Thick layers of gypsum and mortar hid brick and stone walls. Termites damaged the wooden beams, threatening the building’s stability.

Maximizing Natural Light and Privacy

The property had many light openings. An inner patio let us use translucent glass in street windows for privacy. Main spaces connect visually with the courtyard, their focal point.

Restoring Valuable Components

We restored valuable components like walls and the roof. The new floor configures the space, creating open areas with varying levels and objects.

Resolving Entrance and Level Differences

The new floor addresses the two entrances at different heights. It also connects the main level to the patio, which is 45 cm (18 inches) lower.

Some fixed furniture rises from the floor. The living room sofa, kitchen tables, and bathroom sinks are brick-made and covered with concrete, matching the floor.

Creating Private and Public Spaces

Closed boxes organize main areas, containing private uses like bathrooms and dressing rooms. Bedrooms are separate from daytime areas.

Designing for Flexibility

The owner wanted a small, independent apartment for frequent visitors. This space also serves as his studio when unoccupied. Thus, the house features two separate, independent spaces.

Photography courtesy of FFWD Arquitectes

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- by Matt Watts