The Building
The Praga 22-24 building sits confidently within the architectural landscape of the El Guinardó neighborhood of Barcelona, which predominates in mid-rise 19th apartment blocks dotted with taller constructions dating from the 1970s. Its rational lines, elongated windows and overall symmetry are perfectly calculated to the natural inclination of street and neighboring buildings. A robust column announces the entrance to the building’s interior patio; an evocative space filled with greenery, conceived for gatherings and outdoor living, from which the light-filled duplexes and apartments are accessed. The outside is brought to the forefront in Praga 22-24; the corridors that lead to the rooftop sundeck and pool, basement storage facilities and other communal areas, are open-sided and situated on the exterior of the building, helping create an informal lifestyle that takes full advantage of Barcelona’s benign, sun-filled climate.
The Residences.
Duplex. Split-level living gets a modernist reboot in the two duplexes of Praga 22-24. Measuring a generous 156 sqm with a further 16 sqm of terrazzo-floored terrace, the soaring double height ceilings are accentuated with elongated windows a curvaceous floating staircase and symmetric volumes in the living and kitchen areas. On the upper floor, all rooms face the interior patio, feature bespoke wardrobes, and can be used for a variety of purposes, from private office to bedroom.
Apartments. Each of the four spacious apartments of Praga 22-24 measures 100 sqm and feature a private balcony measuring 3 sqm that overlooks the street. All rooms are exterior, harnessing natural light and ventilation, and have been designed for maximum flexibility. White surfaces, pure lines and noble, natural materials set a precedent for contemporary living that is both effortless and highly functional.
Bathrooms. Continuous, unbroken surfaces in the bathrooms of Praga 22-24 create a clean, uncluttered elegance for your daily rituals. The generous wetroom is thermostat controlled and features a Stilestone shower tray, and bathtubs (if present), taps and other fittings are of the latest technology.
Kitchens. The kitchen and living areas blend seamlessly at Praga 22-24, in keeping with the cultural importance of cooking, eating and entertaining in Mediterranean culture. Smeg appliances, Silestone surfaces, inbuilt LED lighting and ample modular cupboards create a state-of-the-art food space designed for modern living.
The Architects
Avant-garde architecture is a feature of Barcelona – this is the city of Gaudí after all – and the spirit of modernism lives on in the studios of daring young Catalan architects. Architectura G is among the most dynamic.
Their work, which has been featured in many international design and architecture magazines and won numerous awards (including the 2015 Mies van der Rohe Award for best emerging architects) references the pioneers of modernist design—Niemeyer and Le Corbusier— by breaking architecture down to its simplest, most comprehensive forms. “As architects,” they say, “We aim to ignite feelings and create scenarios.” Architectura G achieves this notably by conducting a rigorous research into the needs of the client, pushing the boundaries of noble materials, and employing a design language that expresses the zeitgeist of modern living.
The Neighborhood
Situated on the upper slopes of Barcelona, cradled by the Collserola hills and once blanketed in orchards and fields, the residential district of El Guinardó offers a relaxed, authentic lifestyle that feels pleasantly detached from the center of town. Rural parks and leafy, slightly hilly streets characterize this part of the city, along with views that sweep over the spires of the landmark Sagrada Familia to the Mediterranean Sea. Shops, restaurants and other services such as schools and libraries cater to locals, not tourists, and Barcelona’s business and commercial districts are easy to reach on bus or metro.
Developer: Casas Lautes
Architect: Arquitectura-G
Constructor: Greico Construcción y Rehabilitación
Equity Partner: Trend Reformas Group S.L
Sales & Marketing: Monapart
Photos: Mikael Olsson
Video: Iris Humm
Website: www.praga24.com