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The Spanish studio Agora Arquitectura has transformed an abandoned brick structure into the foundation for an elevated wooden house on the outskirts of Barcelona. Aptly named House on a Brick Base, the design pays homage to the site’s traditional construction methods through the brick base, while the wooden structure symbolizes the present and future.
Within the building’s exterior shell, two perpendicular brick walls form a T-shape, creating interior divisions and supporting the wooden structure above. External brick staircases connect the various levels of the house, seamlessly integrating with the old brickwork. Following these stairs, one encounters a 100-year-old olive tree that serves as a welcoming focal point near the main entrance.
The architect constructed the wooden house from prefabricated cross-laminated timber (CLT) and clad it with whitewashed cork. A raised garden was also introduced beside the house. The timber frame features large, uniformly placed windows that flood the interiors with natural light, creating a serene atmosphere.
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Inside, a striking spiral staircase immediately captures attention. It serves as a vertical connection between the old and new sections of the house, extending up to the second floor. A large skylight above the staircase ensures abundant natural light reaches the ground floor. The interiors are further enhanced with whitewashed plywood walls and wooden ceilings, lending a rustic yet contemporary feel.
