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The oldest house in Barcelona’s Gràcia district, this small dwelling dates back to the late 18th century. It is ancient, a rare trace of the rural landscape that once stretched across the fields where Gràcia now stands. The project’s aim was simple: to bring the house back to life, to clear and restore the rear patio, and to add a contemporary layer on top, a clean, 21st-century volume built with traditional brick and timber-framed windows.

The layout follows the logic of the original structure: the staircase and bathroom are placed at the center, with one room on either side. Each of the six rooms is identical in size; it is their use that will define their character over time. The result is an elegant three-story townhouse in one of Barcelona’s most sought-after neighborhoods. The combination of original features and contemporary design creates a space that feels bright, fresh, and spacious, while maintaining the warmth and authenticity of its Catalan roots.

This modern reinterpretation of a traditional villa sits comfortably in the heart of Gràcia,  offering the versatility of a three-bedroom home with all the conveniences of urban living. Discreetly nestled between two larger buildings, the property is a rare find, a true jewel at the center of the district. Gràcia is known for its lively markets, independent shops, and welcoming community atmosphere, as well as its excellent transport connections; the house is located just meters away from Fontana metro station. The project combines precision and sensitivity. Through the careful use of contemporary materials and techniques, the architects have created a refined, comfortable, and perfectly optimized home, while preserving the character, elegance, and history of the original building. A new floor has been added to the property, crowned by a generous terrace that provides precious outdoor space, a rare luxury in such a central location. The sand-colored façade retains the charm of a classic Catalan townhouse: a terracotta-tiled entrance step, a solid timber front door, a modest balcony, and pine-framed windows. The newly constructed second floor integrates seamlessly with the existing structure and its neighbors, finished with herringbone tiling in soft, sympathetic tones that harmonize with the surrounding architecture. The ground floor features a spacious reception area, a bathroom, and a large kitchen-dining room that opens onto a private patio.

The interior palette pays homage to traditional colors while introducing crisp white surfaces that bring lightness and clarity. Wooden beams emerge from the white Catalan vaulted ceiling, and the mix of terracotta and teal creates an atmosphere that is both welcoming and serene. A white stairwell forms the central spine of the house, combining original brickwork with clean, angular forms. Flooded with natural light, it guides movement upward through the home, gradually brightening with each level. The first floor hosts a luminous double bedroom with a balcony overlooking the street. Next to the stairwell, a bathroom sits between two bedrooms, one facing the street, the other opening to the rear patio. The newly added second floor is characterized by its large timber windows, which follow the curve of the roofline and extend up onto the ceiling, capturing light from multiple angles. From this level, the sky is always visible, giving a sense of openness and continuity with the outdoors. A third bedroom and bathroom complete the floor. Above, a generous rooftop terrace offers a secluded, tranquil space. The herringbone tiling continues from the façade, creating a unified visual language between the exterior and this open-air retreat. Every element, from the preserved Catalan arches to the proportioned addition above, reflects a careful dialogue between tradition and modernity.

Asturias embodies the essence of contemporary Barcelona living: respectful of its past yet open to renewal. It stands as a quiet celebration of craftsmanship, light, and timeless design, a house reborn within the enduring fabric of Gràcia.