A Barcelona apartment, known as Apt 21, is a prime example of how atmosphere can be created with minimal elements. Designed by Skye Maunsell and Jordi Veciana, the 175m² apartment in the Sant Gervasi neighbourhood is a sign to the power of subtle design.
The designers started by studying how the clients, a young family, wanted to live. They then assembled the floor plan like a puzzle, with each zone responding to a specific need while remaining open to the whole.
Open and Flexible Spaces
Rather than using conventional four-walled rooms, Maunsell and Veciana introduced timber partitions that define space while also providing storage. Large sliding doors allow rooms to expand or contract, offering privacy on demand without fragmenting the overall sense of flow.
This approach creates a sense of freedom and flexibility, allowing the family to use the space in different ways. The absence of rigid boundaries between rooms also helps to create a sense of unity and coherence.
A Conversation of Materials
The apartment’s interior is characterized by a conversation between different materials. Birch wood sits against stainless steel, while lacquer meets raw tile. The combination of polished and textured surfaces creates a sense of tension, making the space feel interesting and alive.
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Custom yellow-toned Mediterranean hydraulic tiles run continuously from the interior to the exterior terrace, establishing a warm and unified ground plane. A curved curtain introduces movement and fluidity, adding an unexpected sensory layer to the otherwise precise material palette.
The furniture, designed specifically for the project, extends the architectural language at a human scale. It contributes to a narrative that feels layered rather than literal, adding depth and complexity to the space.
A Sense of Warmth and Unity
What gives this interior its particular warmth is the quality of its material conversation. The presence of both machined and crafted elements, raw and refined, creates a productive tension that makes the space feel alive. The use of natural materials, such as wood and tile, also helps to create a sense of warmth and unity.
Photography by Salva Lopez captures the apartment’s beauty and simplicity. The images show a family home that knows exactly what it wants to be, with minimal staging and evidence of performance. The result is a space that feels authentic and genuine, a true reflection of the family’s needs and desires.
The apartment’s design is a reminder that sometimes, less is more. By stripping away unnecessary elements and focusing on the essentials, Maunsell and Veciana have created a space that is both beautiful and functional. The result is a home that feels truly lived-in, a space that is full of life and energy.
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