Full-height vertical volumes for a brick house in Catalonia

The single-family house in Granollers, Catalonia, totally renovated by Harquitectes is nestled between two buildings facing the street. The structure, with its facade characterised by red bricks, is 14 metres both in height and depth. The renovated building is taller than the original one, to let in more light – the layout of the houses in the neighbourhood obstructed its entrance – and makes the most of the available space, within the limits of the area’s urban planning regulations. The rectangular volume is divided into two vertical blocks, one housing the living area, the other a five-storey tower structure. The living area generates a free, full-height volume, flooded by zenithal light from skylights: this part of the house is closed off on west side, guaranteeing discretion, protection from noise and plenty of light at the same time.

The tower, on the other hand, houses kitchen and dining room on the ground floor and, on the upper floors, four rooms which are different from each other but all equipped with a study area, wardrobe and bathroom: separate and autonomous environments, positioned one on each floor, combining nonetheless into a single, consistent architecture. This block, dedicated to the sleeping area, has a wooden structure inside, which defining and organizing the spaces while guaranteeing comfort and thermal and acoustic insulation. The overall layout also allows cross-ventilation and the access of natural light. 
On the ground floor, the project is completed by a garden and patio that expand the living area in convivial spaces stretching over the open surface of the elongated site.