“Small touches that transform an open-plan industrial space into a warm and characterful home”
Poblenou, a former industrial area of Barcelona, has been rapidly transformed in recent years into an office and creative hub, making use of existing warehouse infrastructure.
Here we find ourselves in a warehouse area, where we access via a freight elevator to reach a small loft in an old industrial building from the 70s. This space has been transformed by the designer Isern Serra, who has managed to create an aesthetic and practical refuge for the life of the artist Pol Solà.
Inspired by the dreamlike architecture of the metaverse, Isern Serra has created a space that evokes the sophistication of a digital world with the warmth required for a home. The resulting atmosphere is a perfect fusion of contemporary minimalism and a Mediterranean touch that permeates every corner.
The secret to creating a sense of spaciousness in a small space lies in careful planning and the selection of elements. Serra has managed to give the loft an impeccable aesthetic without sacrificing functionality. Strategically placed touches of color, the meticulously curated furniture collection, and the selected artworks—based on Pol's relationship with his own pieces and those of his friends—all contribute to creating a vibrant, lively atmosphere with a very personal touch.
The strategically placed touches of color, the meticulous furniture collection, and the selected artworks, based on Pol's relationship with his own pieces and those of his friends, all contribute to creating a vibrant atmosphere, full of life and with a very personal touch.
The bedroom is located in the most sheltered area to provide privacy and protect the space from the light, while the living room, the more social area, is closer to the facade. The storage and closet area is concealed by curtains that also integrate and hide the utility area. These curtains can be extended to provide even more privacy. These curtains, the semicircular partition, and custom-made shelving define and give character to the bedroom space.
Likewise, a large partition in the middle of the loft, with a circular cut-out wall, elegantly and functionally separates the living area from the sleeping area. The different curtains also contribute to the division of spaces, providing a feeling of greater spaciousness and privacy.
The custom-made tables stand out, perfectly adapting to the geometry of the space and adding a touch of personalization and coherence to the design. Likewise, a large partition in the middle of the loft, with a wall cut into a circular shape, elegantly and functionally separates the living area from the sleeping area. The various curtains also contribute to the division of spaces, providing a sense of both spaciousness and privacy.
This loft in Poblenou is a testament to how even the most limited spaces can be transformed into true oases. Isern Serra has succeeded not only in creating an aesthetically pleasing refuge, but also an inspiring experience that combines art, functionality, and Mediterranean warmth in an unexpected corner of the city. It's an example of how intelligent design and meticulous attention to detail can turn an ordinary place into something extraordinary.
AUTHOR
ISERN SERRA
TEAM LEADER
ANNA MANDRI
PHOTOGRAPHER
ENRIC BADRINAS
