The Barros
Barcelona, Spain
Residential. Pedralbes Barcelona Spain. 170 m2. Completed. 2024
Rooted in the earthy tactility of handmade brick, The Barros Project by Cometa Architects introduces bold, sculptural elements that rise like geological formations within a refined domestic landscape. These monolithic brick volumes, both raw and precise, anchor the apartment’s luminous interiors — a contemporary echo of Catalonia’s rationalist heritage expressed through material honesty and craftsmanship.
Situated in the leafy Pedralbes neighborhood of Barcelona, this apartment designed and built by Victor Gonzalez Marti and Faidra Matziaraki reflects the principles of the Brutalist movement (aprx 1960-1975), characterized by its concrete and brick construction. The surrounding area features a notable collection of buildings that prioritize functionality over ornamentation, cladded mainly in solid brick which serves as a cultural symbol in Catalonia, emphasizing both economic value and architectural heritage. While the exterior retains its robust character, the previous interior, dating back to the 1980s, was restructured, exposing the concrete framework and installation piping that runs vertically through the space.
To honor the building’s legacy, the interior has been enhanced selectively with handmade, uneven dark magma clay bricks, creating a striking contrast with the continuous cava-colored elements throughout the design. The thoughtful integration of these materials fosters a sense of fluidity and openness, essential for the family of four, who value natural light and distinct living zones.
A central feature unifies existing columns and piping with new cabinetry and a wine cellar, creating a pivotal volume for dining, cooking, and living activities. The dark milled wood kitchen serves as a multifunctional hub, suitable for wine tasting and culinary sessions, while the accompanying bookcase adds structural gravity that seemingly floats above the lighter flooring and walls.
Situated in the leafy Pedralbes neighborhood of Barcelona, this apartment designed and built by Victor Gonzalez Marti and Faidra Matziaraki reflects the principles of the Brutalist movement (aprx 1960-1975), characterized by its concrete and brick construction. The surrounding area features a notable collection of buildings that prioritize functionality over ornamentation, cladded mainly in solid brick which serves as a cultural symbol in Catalonia, emphasizing both economic value and architectural heritage. While the exterior retains its robust character, the previous interior, dating back to the 1980s, was restructured, exposing the concrete framework and installation piping that runs vertically through the space.
To honor the building’s legacy, the interior has been enhanced selectively with handmade, uneven dark magma clay bricks, creating a striking contrast with the continuous cava-colored elements throughout the design. The thoughtful integration of these materials fosters a sense of fluidity and openness, essential for the family of four, who value natural light and distinct living zones.
A central feature unifies existing columns and piping with new cabinetry and a wine cellar, creating a pivotal volume for dining, cooking, and living activities. The dark milled wood kitchen serves as a multifunctional hub, suitable for wine tasting and culinary sessions, while the accompanying bookcase adds structural gravity that seemingly floats above the lighter flooring and walls.
