Isern Serra’s latest Piso Barceloneta project is a precise and understated renovation of a compact apartment in one of Barcelona’s most densely layered neighborhoods.
The team began by stripping back the original layout, which was divided into a series of small, disconnected rooms. The new plan introduces an open, continuous living space that connects directly to the apartment’s full-length balcony — restoring the relationship between the interior and the outside.
The intervention is quiet but deliberate. Curved transitions, built-in elements, and a limited palette of materials help define the character of the space without over-designing it. Floors and walls are finished in a warm-toned microcement, bringing visual continuity throughout. Light, natural oak is used in the kitchen and for custom joinery, balancing the harder surfaces with texture and warmth.
Rather than furnishing the apartment as a showpiece, the interiors were developed as a lived-in, evolving environment. The team collaborated with Vasto Gallery to incorporate a number of collectible design pieces, both vintage and contemporary. Some are sculptural — like the waxed aluminum Section Coffee Table by Paul Coenen — others more utilitarian, such as classic wooden stools from the 1960s.
The mix of objects is intentional but not staged. Furniture from Fenix Originals, Polop Store, and emerging designers sits alongside ceramic pieces by Valeria Vasi, artwork by Chidy Wayne, and lighting from Davide Groppi, Artemide, and Materia. The result is a coherent, calm interior that avoids excess and builds character through contrast and restraint.
In the private areas, the approach stays consistent. Two bedrooms and two bathrooms are located at the back of the apartment. One of the bathrooms is finished entirely in dark green microcement, standing out within the otherwise neutral palette, but still integrated. Another uses translucent glass bricks to bring in daylight while maintaining privacy — a practical decision that also contributes to the material rhythm of the space.
This is not a dramatic or overly polished apartment. Instead, it’s a considered renovation that prioritizes function, proportion, and material integrity. The selection of collectible design elements adds depth and interest without dominating the architecture. Piso Barceloneta is a clear example of how thoughtful layout, restrained detailing, and strong curatorial decisions can quietly transform a small space.
