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Barcelona apartment renovation reveals a beautiful mosaic of tile
Adria Goula

Barcelona apartment renovation reveals a beautiful mosaic of tile

29 Jan 2020  •  Innovations  •  By Allie Shiell

By removing internal walls to create space, narch Architecture Studio reveals a beautiful variety of patterned ceramic floors dating back to the 20th century. 

Credit: Adria Goula

A total of 65 square meters, the now open plan layout gives a family a more spacious living and entertaining space in addition to revealing the beauty of these tiles. The tiles are known as encaustic tiles and are traditional throughout Barcelona. They are created by pouring differently pigmented ceramics into a mould, before pressing them to create a texture. 

Credit: Adria Goula

To fill any gaps in the existing finish, extra floor tiles from the same period were found by scouring antique shops. 

Credit: Adria Goula

The new layout featured two bedrooms at either end of a large living space and bathroom in between. The entrance opens directly into the living area, in order to conserve floor space. White laminate glass doors used throughout help light to flow throughout the space while at the same time presenting a neutrality that emphasizes the vibrancy of the floor surface. 

Credit: Adria Goula

Decorative floor tiles are common in Barcelona, particularly in the Eixample district.