mesura's minimalistic residence brings a contemporary twist to catalonian tradition

mesura's minimalistic residence brings a contemporary twist to catalonian tradition

mesura’s Torre Llimona in Spain

 

Barcelona-based studio Mesura breathes new life into Torre Llimona, a historical landmark in Catalonia that reflects a synthesis of architectural styles spanning three centuries. Initially built in the traditional Catalan ‘masia’ style using local materials and techniques by Joan Llimona, the stucture underwent subsequent renovations during the Catalan modernism era in 1909 and later in 1989, introducing contemporary touches by architects Lluís Clotet and José Antonio Martínez la Peña. Today, Torre Llimona undergoes a metamorphosis, blending the elements of the past and present. The story unfolded four years ago when the ground floor owners sought to align Torre Llimona with contemporary living. Pandemic-induced delays cast a unique twist on the narrative, as the clients, living amidst the original features, developed a profound appreciation for the building’s essence. Today, Mesura revisits the project, weaving the client’s newfound love into the very fabric of Torre Llimona.

mesura's minimalistic residence brings a contemporary twist to catalonian tradition
all images by Play-Time Barcelona

 

 

Returning Catalan masia structure

 

Returning to the essence of the Catalan ‘masia’ structure, traditionally divided into floors for animals, housing, and storage, Mesura‘s intervention targets the clinet’s area which accommodates two floors. Here, the project takes a departure from the initial concept of a large wooden furniture piece, opting for a simpler approach that preserves the original key features. The ground area now divides into two realms, including a modernist section paying homage to the building’s architectural legacy, and an adapted ‘masia’ area tailored to contemporary living. After the renovation plan, the master bedroom has been moved to the upper floor, completed by two dressing rooms and a bathroom, while the lower floor accommodates guests’ quarters, including a living space, gym, and a versatile multi-purpose room. This new take keeps the building’s high ceilings, repurposing the old staircases into skylights to infuse natural light into previously shaded corners.‘The building’s traits are to be cherished and reinterpreted into the contemporary world, so we focused on enhancing comfort and maintaining architectural integrity,’ describes the team. 

mesura's minimalistic residence brings a contemporary twist to catalonian tradition
transforming the existing staircases into skylights to introduce natural light into once dimly shadowed areas

 

 

As shared by the team, an element of surprise shapes the interior of the ‘masia’ area, mirroring Torre Llimona’s organic modernist forms. A continuous carpet, spans the lower and upper floors, introducing an interesting interior topography. This material offers continuity, creating varied atmospheres and tactile qualities within a consistent finish. The choice of carpet, not often seen in the vernacular architecture of Catalonia nods to the owners’ English roots, and thus bridges their past and present.

mesura's minimalistic residence brings a contemporary twist to catalonian tradition
a contemporary embrace of Catalonian history

mesura's minimalistic residence brings a contemporary twist to catalonian tradition
a unified carpet spans throughout the entire floor

mesura's minimalistic residence brings a contemporary twist to catalonian tradition
curved touches harmonize the historical significance of the building with the evolving needs of contemporary living

torre-llimona-mesura-spain-designboom-18000

the new scheme preserves the building’s high ceilings

mesura's minimalistic residence brings a contemporary twist to catalonian tradition

 

 

1/6
an architectural symphony of old and new
an architectural symphony of old and new
1
 
1
 
1
 
1
 
1
 

project info:

 

name: Torre Llimona

architects: Mesura | @mesura.eu

client: private

location: Alella, Spain
renders: Play-Time Barcelona
furniture design selection: Alexia Iborra Wicksteed

KEEP UP WITH OUR DAILY AND WEEKLY NEWSLETTERS
suscribe on designboom
- see sample
- see sample
suscribe on designboom
happening now! celebrating its 60th anniversary, pedrali marks the milestone with a grand wooden pavilion that acts as an exhibition space for talks as well as to debut its 2023 novelties.

PRODUCT LIBRARY

a diverse digital database that acts as a valuable guide in gaining insight and information about a product directly from the manufacturer, and serves as a rich reference point in developing a project or scheme.

designboom will always be there for you

milan, new york, beijing, tokyo,  since 1999
X
5