It’s difficult to say what’s more striking about this exceptional living space in Barcelona — the 360-degree rooftop perspective, the outside bathtub and beautiful patio, or the hidden panels which allow for a fully functional living space. Photographer Christian Schallert happened upon this space and fell head over heels for its great location and stunning roof deck. However, at only 260 square feet, the miniature and barren space left a lot to be desired.
Architect and He Barbara Appolloni, a friend, developed a special design which allows the flat to operate in different modes — every single appliance and piece of furniture is tucked into a hidden panel. By opening and closing panels, Schallert can adjust the flat to his needs of the moment, if he is cooking, taking a shower or sleeping.
Churreria Photography
Since the flat is such a little area, there wasn’t any other option than to create it as flexible as possible. Schallert worked with Appolloni to come up with a practical design that will work because of his lifestyle. “I essentially had to compose an specific collection of all of my possessions that would need to fit into the flat,” Schallert says.
The result: Everything is within reach and in its assigned area. A fold-out panel acts as a desk, panels pop open to reveal storage, and the bed pulls in and out of a massive slot as needed. “It’s almost like living in a huge closet,” Schallert says.
Churreria Photography
Schallert lived in this area for a couple of years. (He owns the home but currently lives in a different part of the city.) He traveled and worked a lot, so he did not spend much time there. When he awakened in the morning, he pushed in the bed to create a living space to welcome him home in the end of the day.
The panels and floor on this side of the unit are made from a mixture of compressed concrete and wood called Viroc. The substance has an industrial appearance but is not as hard as concrete. It doesn’t get too cold in the winter and functions nicely in the summertime also.
Before Photo
Churreria Photography
BEFORE: Schallert was not looking for an apartment when he found this space. After a person stuck a sticker on his photography studio’s window about it, he randomly chose to have a look. “I fell in love with it although it was actually only a couple of square meters where pigeons dwelt,” Schallert says. “I simply loved the old building and this incredible 360-degree perspective of Barcelona.”
Churreria Photography
AFTER: Six months after, Appolloni and Schallert had shifted the unit, packing it full of multiple-use concepts. “It’s like having one home packed into one area,” he says.
Churreria Photography
The kitchen is all tucked into one side of the space. An integrated refrigerator, an electric stovetop, a sink, a freezer, a microwave and a dishwasher have assigned spaces. At mealtimes, the dining table is pulled out together with all the kitchen appliances.
Churreria Photography
Afterward, everything is cleaned up and tucked away. The bed is pulled out, the TV turns in the wall toward the bed and the area transforms to a sizable hotel-style bedroom.
This remodel took approximately six months to complete. Due to the character of the undertaking, Schallert and Appolloni needed to find some particular structure permits.
Before Photo
Churreria Photography
BEFORE: Even though Schallert initially imagined living in a dream loft in Barcelona’s cool el Born district, he also adored the problems this bare-bones area introduced. “I took the challenge and transformed this pigeonhole to a James Bond kind of flat,” he says.
Churreria Photography
AFTER: The toilet is the only private area in this apartment. It’s in a little room with a little window behind a hidden door beside the sink. The shower glass cube and sink stay out of the way of the bedroom and kitchen styles against this particular wall.
Churreria Photography
A 65-square-foot elevated balcony is simply outside the bed area; the bed is pushed there when it is stored away. If it is time to pull it out again, Schallert simply pulls on a leather strap attached to the end of the bed frame.
Churreria Photography
There is another 200 square feet of patio area up a flight of stairs in the smaller balcony. Schallert set up an outdoor tub for 2 and a convenient washer and dryer here. Barcelona is a sunny town, so it made sense to get the most out of the outside area.
Churreria Photography
A big outdoor sofa provides the perfect place to enjoy the Spanish sunshine. Schallert occasionally hosted dinner parties with this patio for up to five individuals.
Although this space worked for Schallert, he admits it isn’t the ideal setup for everyone. Since he was single and able to maintain all of his job things at his office (only around the corner), it was easy for him to keep everything tidy and clean. “You’re almost forced to be organized. Otherwise it is one huge mess in five minutes,” he says.
More Tours:
400-Square-Foot Unfolding Flat
Ingenious Toilet Makeover in Bordeaux
A Guesthouse and Grotto at 68 Square Feet