Industrial frames artistry

Interiors by Clara Lleal, Interiorista

From the interior designer:

The house is located in the historic centre of Badalona, a city near Barcelona.

One of the challenges when it came to the layout of the interior was to strategically place the sculptures created by the owner of the house himself, the artist and sculptor Juanma Noguera. 

In short, this was to be an art gallery house.

In terms of general aesthetics, the idea was to give the whole space an industrial atmosphere, maintaining and recovering the building's original materials. 

The solid brick walls were uncovered, the vaulted iron-beamed ceilings were respected, and areas with the original hydraulic pavement were maintained.

The materials used subsequently also follow this industrial premise – concrete, black iron sheet, herringbone floor of recovered wood, and teak wood furniture to break the cold of the greys.

Gaining maximum natural light was also one of the objectives. 

Several skylights were opened in ceilings, and an inner courtyard was located at the back of the house.

Upon entering, we find a large living-dining room of about 120m², with gable ceilings over 6m high at the central point. 

One of the challenges while designing this area was to achieve a cosy space despite its amplitude and the fact that furniture pieces were not left loose.

The most notable piece is a custom-designed central structure that may be used as a dining table and, at the same time, acts as the fourth step of the staircase leading to the roof. 

The top of the table is made of herringbone parquet, like the one installed in the bedroom area – thus giving it continuity visually. 

The stairs are made of bent sheet iron.

And iron sheet was also used to design the furniture that integrated the kitchen, the walk-in closet at the entrance and a bookcase. 

A pair of niches with teak wood interiors and lights break the obvious 'black continuity'.

At the back of the living room, in front of the windows, a closed gallery with three iron and glass doors was installed. 

The idea was to give this area a certain vintage feeling. 

We kept the original hydraulic pavement and we installed a set of lamps and hanging plants, combining these with the owner’s sculptures and antique furniture.

After the living room there is the owner's workshop – this was a rather dirty working area and we left it as it was.

Next there’s the toilet, with the custom sink made with fire enamelled stainless steel sheet facing the window – its peculiarity is that it drains inside the wall. 

The faucet comes from the ceiling and the wall was intentionally left with same pattern left by the wool after the cement was spread.

A large sliding glass door gives access to the suite. 

Dressing room, bedroom and bathroom area are located in the same room. 

Shower and toilet, overlooking the courtyard, are closed with the same sliding glass – when one is open, the other remains closed. 

At the foot of the bed there is a freestanding bathtub.

All furniture in this space is custom designed.

The patio gives access to the children's rooms, which are separated by a shared bathroom.

The two rooms have a loft and the sleeping area is located on top of it – both have a large dressing room, study area and chill out space with sofas. 

The bathroom can be be accessed from both bedrooms.

The roof terrace was completely renovated, synthetic outdoor decking was installed along with an overflowing stainless steel pool.

The presence of the owner's sculptures contribute to the originality of the space.

Designed by: Clara Lleal, Interiorista

Story by: Trendsideas

Photography by: Felipe Mena