A tapestry of surfaces in Barcelona

Inspired by a love for Barcelona with its vibrant colours, lively spirit and creative energy, an Australian couple decided to make the city their European home. They chose an apartment in a typical 19th-century building on the centrally located Paseo San Juan and embarked on a renovation project that reflected their passion for the Catalan capital.

The apartment already boasted classic elements of Barcelona’s architectural and artisanal heritage, including mosaic floors, stuccoed ceilings and large windows with original decorative glass. However, years of neglect had left it in poor condition. To restore the structure and update the layout, the owners turned to YLAB Arquitectos. Recalling the early stages of the renovation, co-founder Yolanda Yuste noted: “The challenge was to integrate a contemporary layout with a high level of comfort into a historic home of significant artistic value. Our design concept was inspired by the mosaic floors, each of which had its own unique colour scheme.” From the outset, the renovation focused on surfaces and materials, striking a balance between historically faithful restoration and contemporary reinterpretation.

Today, the apartment is divided into two distinct areas: a communal space for hosting family and friends, and a more private section. YLAB designed custom furnishings to optimise functionality in both areas while incorporating bold colours and standout design pieces. A central theme throughout the project was a careful selection of materials, particularly ceramics. “Our approach prioritises materials and technologies that are environmentally responsible, enhance energy efficiency and incorporate recycled components,” Yuste explains. “We began with the goal of restoring the apartment’s original features, especially the modernist elements such as mosaic floors, ceilings and some of the windows. To improve sustainability, we integrated natural products such as surfaces from Laminam, which are manufactured using recycled raw materials by a company committed to eco-friendly practices.” Laminam solutions now feature prominently in the kitchen and bathrooms. “Large-format ceramic slabs played a key role in this project. We used them for countertops, custom sinks and wall coverings. The I Naturali collection in the Michelangelo Calacatta shade and Soft Touch finish beautifully complements the apartment’s aesthetic, introducing a classic, timeless texture that integrates seamlessly into the space. The large format, combined with the absence of visible joints, was especially important given the intricate, segmented nature of the mosaic floors.”