An Old Warehouse Was Remodeled To Create This Large Apartment That Maintains Elements From The Past

December 9, 2020
A remodeled 1905 building has been transformed into a large apartment.

Barcelona-based interior design firm, Kirsten Schwalgien Design, has completed the remodel of Casa Bures, which is located in Barcelona, Spain.

Casa Bures was originally commissioned back in 1905 by Catalan textile magnate Francesc Bures and built by Gaudi contemporary Francesc Berenguer.

Casa Bures was originally commissioned back in 1905 by Catalan textile magnate Francesc Bures and built by Gaudi contemporary Francesc Berenguer.

Formerly the warehouse and production site where horse carriages were stored, the ground floor apartment has now been transformed into a two-bedroom loft with an open layout that maintains elements of its past

A wall of glass separates the entryway from the open plan interior of this modern apartment.

A wall of glass separates the entryway from the open plan interior. Throughout the apartment, almost every piece of furniture has been custom designed to match the client’s lifestyle and personal aesthetic, as well as the context of the space.

A wall of glass separates the entryway from the open plan interior of this modern apartment.
A modern reading nook with high ceilings, a bookshelf, and a single lounge chair and ottoman.

In the dining area, the table features a raw, untreated vintage brass top, with each leg made from primary materials used in the loft.

In this dining area, the table features a raw, untreated vintage brass top, with each leg made from primary materials used in the loft.

In the kitchen, smoked chestnut cabinets are veneered and treated to keep the wood’s original tactile quality and emphasize its unique grain patterns.

In this kitchen, smoked chestnut cabinets are veneered and treated to keep the wood’s original tactile quality and emphasize its unique grain patterns.

Off to the side of the open living area is a small home office with a desk positioned for window views.

A small home office with a view outside.

The home office is positioned next to the walk-through closet that leads to the bedroom.

A walk-through closet with plenty of hanging space highlighted by LED strips.
A walk-through closet with plenty of hanging space highlighted by LED strips.

In the bedroom, remnants of the original brick wall and plaster have been retained, while pendant lights help to highlight the detail. Opposite the bed, there’s a sofa for casual relaxation.

In this modern bedroom, remnants of the original brick wall and plaster have been retained, while pendant lights help to highlight the detail. Opposite the bed, there's a sofa for casual relaxation.

A wall of black-framed glass includes a door to a private outdoor patio furnished with an L-shaped sofa and plants.

A modern sunroom with an L-shaped sofa and potted plants.
A modern sunroom with an L-shaped sofa and potted plants.

The bedroom also has a spacious en-suite bathroom with a large backlit mirror and a long vanity.

A modern and spacious en-suite bathroom with a large backlit mirror and a long vanity.

In a guest bedroom, a matte blue accent wall has been used to create a bold statement.

A modern bedroom with high ceilings and a bold matte blue accent wall.
Photography ©Meritxell Arjalaguer