‘Architecture’ blog category archive

Name: Parlament19
Type: Design & Interior Architecture
Size: 74 m2
Location: Barcelona City, Spain
Design & Architecture: Studio P10 & Miel Arquitectos

Two windows facing a party wall, our point of reference, the beginning of the project..  Where serendipity arose and focused our purpose.

Parlament19 is our experiment with reflective ergonomics. A creative distribution of mirrors enticing the glimmer of light, which cautiously entered this third floor Sant Antoni apartment. Inviting the trees and the nature of the barrio into the space.

We extended this design strategy to the internal distribution of space. Positioning a cube of mirrors, acting as a kaleidoscope of light at the geometric hinge of the apartment.

Internally, this golden cube houses those apartment services that can be utilised without natural light – the kitchen & two en-suite bathrooms. Externally, it creates the illusion of space that spreads to the bedrooms and communal areas.

Upon entry, the cube acts as a gatehouse inviting the visitor into it’s magnified surroundings.

Carefully balanced, the layout of Parlament19 rotates around the centrally boxed kitchen and bathrooms. It consists of a living / dining room & balcony, adjacent to a bedroom en-suite.

The final area, situated in the quieter internal mezzanine, consists of a bedroom, office / dining room and bathroom. Through a combination of sliding doors and curtains the space connects and disconnects from the rest of apartment, adapting to a social or intimate function.

A smattering of golden touches adds warmth and luminosity to the space in the form of structural reinforcements, handles, switches & fissures.

Parlament19 deepens our convictions that surprise is the best tool to enrich and rediscover. Where a closet (let’s imagine Narnia) waits at the end of the room with a whole universe inside.

What was hidden behind the golden flash in the Pulp Fiction briefcase? We are on it!

For more project information please feel free to contact us, or follow us on Twitter or Facebook for regular updates.


Name: Pujades11

Type: Design & Interior Architecture
Size: 60 m2
Location: Barcelona City, Spain
Design & Architecture: Studio P10 & Miel Arquitectos

Pujades11_StudioP10

When it comes to tackling a new project, we objectively push the boundaries to exceed the limits. Always searching for the unique perspective, the different angle, the fresh idea.

Testing the limits of creativity, our aim is ultimately to surprise ourselves. Constantly searching for discovery to hone and tighten our skills. Convincing us that these little experiments will reveal the theme and melody of our vision of living.

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Name: Parlament29
Type: Design & Interior Architecture
Size: 48 m2
Location: Barcelona City, Spain
Design & Architecture: Studio P10 & Miel Arquitectos
Photography: Mila Belyaeva

Parlament29_StudioP10Parlament29 is our investigation into the contrasts of 21st century urban living, a cocoon of peace and tranquility in the heart of a bustling city.

The Objectives: Deconstructing the rigid barriers of the 1890 Eixample layout. The North facing apartment is designed to funnel the light reflecting from the opposite buildings and courtyard.

With the utilisation of the 48sqm2 space being the key aim, individual zones create a flexible response to the residential needs – Work, Rest, Play, Fuel & Hygiene.

Parlament29_StudioP10

The Premise: Our strategy lay in connecting a happening of personal and social use inside a double skin. A nest of peacefulness positioned at the center of the space, acting as a diagonal channel, infusing the light to penetrate deeper into the eating – living – working area, continuing through to the kitchen area and finally the bathroom.

Parlament29_StudioP10

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In Part 1 of our Barcelona Property Buying blog we examined the initial process regarding property searches, price, and locations. Discussing how negotiation is a key factor, as transfer tax is high. We finalised with an introduction to the abogado’s role and a breakdown of their responsibilities.

In this continuation, we’ll delve more into the legal process. Examining the contracts required, the deposits to be paid and purchase fees which are payable. We’ll also give some advice about estate agent tricks, informing you who to trust and who to be wary of!

Once the price of the property has been agreed and your abogado has started the conveyance, the next stage focuses on the legalities of the property leading to the contracts. Your abogado will deal with any discrepancies and legal issues.

Photo of 1 euro coinsSome points to note :
  • Be wary of any information given during the negotiation by the estate agent, seller or their legal representatives. It may be true and honest but it’s your abogado’s duty to check all the details thoroughly. A good abogado will make certain there are no binding issues.
  • Never deal with the seller’s contracts or paperwork. This will naturally be biased in their favour. Your lawyer should draw up the initial relevant paperwork to protect you, and the final deed is a neutral contract overseen by a notario.
  • Never transfer any money before signature. The seller can change their mind or simply not turn up to the first signing.
  • Don’t feel pressured to make any irregular payments. There is always a phantom third party making another offer – according to the estate agent.

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With summer slowly and reluctantly slipping into Autumn. Barcelona is counting the success of another record-breaking tourist season. Figures show an increase in all sectors on the previous year with record numbers visiting Catalonia, and airport numbers over taking the capital Madrid in June, July and August.

Couple this with the growing exposure of optimism from the UK broadsheets regarding attractive property investment with a 30% price reduction, and Catalonia’s capital of cool will definitely have some of those tourists thinking.

Airport-Barcelona-1So if you are one of these people who recently fell in love with this Mediterranean city (or even a long term resident who has finally decided to take the plunge). Studio P10 thought we’d shed some light on the Barcelona property buying process, uncover some of the pitfalls and maybe dispel some of the myths along the way.

With a wide choice of properties, from mountain retreats, urban pads to beach side dwellings. Barcelona has the full range to offer, all for a knock down price. It’s no wonder, therefore, that foreign demand is now surging, with ‘Spanish Property Insight’ reporting a 29pc rise in foreign purchase in Spain over the last 12 months and a staggering 49pc rise in the last quarter alone.

Location, location, location. It’s a well known phrase but one that holds weight in a compact city such as Barcelona, where crossing a street can lead you over the invisible line into the next barrio. Research therefore is the key, and there’s no better way than living and breathing the city like a local. Walking the streets and experiencing day to day life, chatting to the locals and learning secrets. Uncovering hidden gems of knowledge about areas such as the Eixample. Avoid apartments on the ‘one way streets’ going up hill. The traffic noise is considerably higher, as the motos strain their engines to climb the inclination. (Trust me, at 6am you will be thankful!) Or some parts of Poble Sec, which has a series of underground tunnels built in the civil war that has effected the foundations of some buildings.

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