Andrés Reisinger's Barcelona Studio, situated in the creative enclave of the city's Poblenou neighbourhood, is a testament to minimalist design and architectural ingenuity. This ground floor space, transformed by Isern Serra architects, brings a fresh perspective on how the canvas of a raw concrete building shell can be turned into a creative sanctuary.
Stripping the building down to its bare essentials, Serra revealed the edifice's concrete columns and ceilings, which were then complemented by the application of a paste-like, quartz-based paint on the walls and micro-cement on the floors. The result is a monochromatic, minimalist interior that echoes the austere rawness of the original structure while providing a soothing, light-filled environment that fosters creativity and concentration.
The architects decided to demolish a portion of the original second floor, creating double-height areas at the front and back of the space with a mezzanine level nestled in between. This decision amplified the sense of space and light, while also allowing for clear functional delineation.
On the ground floor, an open-plan, multi-functional space orbits around a custom-designed concrete table, rendered in Reisinger's signature pale pink colour. This elongated, monolithic table, built around an existing column, creates a bold sculptural statement that stands out against the grey-toned interior despite its minimalist design. It is paired with custom-made chrome metal stools by designer Julia Esque, their silhouettes echoing the all-stainless-steel kitchen and the stainless-steel spiral staircase that leads to the mezzanine.
The staircase, crafted from steel sheet, is a captivating feature in this geometric space dominated by rectangular forms. Its rounded shape, along with the massive Davide Groppi lamp, offer a striking contrast to the solidity of the other design elements. This counterpoint is at the heart of the studio's design - the juxtaposition of the solid and the ethereal, the austere and the inviting.
From the stainless-steel kitchen unit to the sleek staircase, each aspect of the studio has been conceived with a utilitarian intention to create a clean, calm space - a blank canvas for the birth of further creative ideas. Every element, line, and detail is essential, eliminating room for coincidence. This studio is a testament to the power of minimalist design, proving that in the realm of creativity, less can indeed be more.
