Apartamento Girona - Torndelacreu

Located in the heart of Girona’s historic center, beside the Onyar River, this apartment preserves the charm of its urban setting while honoring the defining features of traditional architecture, all while introducing a contemporary touch.

APARTAMENTO GIRONA_Living Room_Torndelacreu

The Story behind this case

Two sisters, with warmth and a deep sense of gratitude, took on the challenge of renovating this understated apartment, transforming it into a cozy heaven where both travelers and themselves can enjoy this small, history-rich corner full of character.

The Story behind this case

Two sisters, with warmth and a deep sense of gratitude, took on the challenge of renovating this understated apartment, transforming it into a cozy heaven where both travelers and themselves can enjoy this small, history-rich corner full of character.

APARTAMENTO GIRONA_Onyar River Views_Torndelacreu

Openness:

The design centers around a cube shape, which serves as the core element. Acting as the backbone of the space, it allows for an open and fluid layout. This form subtly frames and organizes the environment, separating the day and night areas while maintaining a sense of visual continuity throughout.

The layout responds to the challenge of optimizing the space within defined boundaries. By eliminating unnecessary partitions, a clear, diaphanous plan is achieved that enhances both circulation and the feeling of spaciousness. This approach allows natural light to pour into the interior, filling every corner and creating a balanced, luminous, and serene atmosphere.

Openness: The design centers around a cube shape, which serves as the core element. Acting as the backbone of the space, it allows for an open and fluid layout. This form subtly frames and organizes the environment, separating the day and night areas while maintaining a sense of visual continuity throughout.

The layout responds to the challenge of optimizing the space within defined boundaries. By eliminating unnecessary partitions, a clear, diaphanous plan is achieved that enhances both circulation and the feeling of spaciousness. This approach allows natural light to pour into the interior, filling every corner and creating a balanced, luminous, and serene atmosphere.

APARTEMENTO GIRONA_Custom Design_Torndelacreu

Transparency:

The central cube is constructed from a combination of black iron, transparent glass, and a layer of wooden Venetian blinds—materials that can be adjusted as needed. These elements can be reconfigured or fragmented, transforming the cube from a fully transparent and open structure into a closed, compact volume that ensures a private and intimate bathroom.

The transparent glass plays a key role in reinforcing the continuity between spaces, blurring boundaries and creating a seamless transition. Additionally, reflections of the surrounding environment are projected inward, enabling both a visual and emotional connection with the landscape.

Transparency: The central cube is constructed from a combination of black iron, transparent glass, and a layer of wooden Venetian blinds—materials that can be adjusted as needed. These elements can be reconfigured or fragmented, transforming the cube from a fully transparent and open structure into a closed, compact volume that ensures a private and intimate bathroom.

The transparent glass plays a key role in reinforcing the continuity between spaces, blurring boundaries and creating a seamless transition. Additionally, reflections of the surrounding environment are projected inward, enabling both a visual and emotional connection with the landscape.

Tradition vs. Modernity:

The proposal preserves a respectful dialogue with the architecture and original character of the house, maintaining its connection to the history of the surrounding area.

However, this harmony is deliberately interrupted by the cube—a central element that introduces a bold and modern contrast. This contemporary yet disruptive intervention not only highlights the character of the pre-existing structure but also organizes and expands the space in a functional manner.

Tradition vs. Modernity: The proposal preserves a respectful dialogue with the architecture and original character of the house, maintaining its connection to the history of the surrounding area.

However, this harmony is deliberately interrupted by the cube—a central element that introduces a bold and modern contrast. This contemporary yet disruptive intervention not only highlights the character of the pre-existing structure but also organizes and expands the space in a functional manner.

APARTEMENTO GIRONA_Room Reflections_Torndelacreu

APARTEMENTO GIRONA_Bedroom Ligth_Torndelacreu

APARTEMENTO GIRONA_The Cube_Torndelacreu

The contrast between tradition and modernity reflects a desire to weave the past into the present, achieving a design that is both balanced and striking. This equilibrium is also evident in the choice of materials: marble, wood, and lime are paired with iron and glass, creating a textured and colorful palette that honors the original identity of the space while revitalizing it. In this way, the house preserves the essence of the historic building while fully adapting to the contemporary needs of its inhabitants.

APARTEMENTO GIRONA_Bathroom_Torndelacreu

APARTEMENTO GIRONA_Dinning Area_Torndelacreu

WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED

In Girona we met two sisters whose exceptional warmth and passion for quality work resonated deeply with us from the very beginning. We also had the privilege of collaborating with local artisans, which helped us establish a close and open relationship. This collaboration allowed us to attend to every detail and ensure that everything came together perfectly.

WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED

In Girona we met two sisters whose exceptional warmth and passion for quality work resonated deeply with us from the very beginning. We also had the privilege of collaborating with local artisans, which helped us establish a close and open relationship. This collaboration allowed us to attend to every detail and ensure that everything came together perfectly.

CLIENT

Private

CREATIVE DIRECTION

Anna Torndelacreu

AREA

42 m2

LOCATION

Girona

YEAR

2021

PHOTOGRAPHY

Carlota Grau