Barcelona-based practice H3o Architects has recently finished the construction of Relámpago House, a remarkable residential project. This particular endeavor involved the refurbishment of a small 55m2 dilapidated barn nestled within a conventional Catalan farmhouse on the periphery of Barcelona, specifically in Sant Just Desvern. The outcome is a unique and vibrant space that exudes a captivating narrative, leaving a lasting impression on all who have the opportunity to explore it.
The project, driven by the owner’s desires, is led by a historian who possesses a deep passion for creativity and art. Taking inspiration from the legend of the lightning that once traversed Can Cardona, the architects aimed to create a design that is both functional and daring, to stimulate the client’s artistic interests.
“La Casa Relámpago is a project that speaks of one of our great concerns in space exploration: morphology and color approached from fantasy,” highlights Adrià Orriols, Joan Gener, and Miquel Ruiz from H3o Architects. “We took advantage of the incredible history of a lightning bolt that struck the house years ago as a starting point for our inspiration.”
Named Relámpago, which means lightning in Spanish, the house pays homage to the historical significance of this natural phenomenon. The house, with its gable roof, prominently features lightning as a central element, playing a crucial role in defining and separating different areas within the house. By transforming lightning into both a wall and a lamp, it effectively shapes and configures the functionality of the interior spaces.
Through this renovation, the studio’s primary objective is to create a truly unique architectural experience that deviates from conventional and uninspiring interiors. By combining innovative architecture with a highly distinctive concept that exudes identity, the proposal merges various geometries, materials, and colors, breathing life and form into an invigorating interior where the fluidity between spaces takes center stage.
The distribution of Relámpago House takes on a zigzagging pattern, giving each area a unique shape. The use of lines and angular geometries creates a distinct morphology that seamlessly blends together, resulting in a visually stunning and spatially captivating effect for the user. Additionally, the strategic application of vibrant colors on various surfaces of the house serves to highlight shapes and volumes, while also unifying and distinguishing different spaces.
This deliberate chromatic choice fosters an atmosphere that challenges the conventional perception of space, inviting the user to experience a range of sensations and memories. Furthermore, the inclusion of small stone elements, seemingly out of context, adds an element of intrigue and further transforms the space. Relámpago House goes beyond the traditional concept of a home by embracing a passion for the arts and presenting a unique narrative. It seeks to redefine the notion of everyday life, where creativity and originality become the very essence of each day.