The first project arrived in Barcelona, marking a new phase in the bustling working-class district of Sant Martí. Among its quaint streets stood the Osuna House, an elegant relic dating back to 1910. Despite undergoing renovations just a few years prior, the house remained remarkably well-preserved. However, the passage of time had brought about changes; the family had expanded, and their needs had evolved.

As the project unfolded (spoiler alert: it never came to fruition), it underwent numerous transformations until finally culminating in two distinct proposals. Both designs, spanning two typical floors, offered variations in layout.

The prerequisites were straightforward: three spacious bedrooms, one of which could serve as a multipurpose room, expansive communal areas, and ample privacy from neighboring homes.

One notable challenge of the property was the lack of natural light in its central area, nestled between the dividing wall and the courtyard. To address this, the design incorporated a vertical communication core. The stairwell not only served as a means of transit but also doubled as a sizable skylight, flooding the space with sunlight.

Both proposals featured a solid strip housing water and storage units, creating a contrast with the otherwise open layout. The first option prioritized spatial freedom, allowing each floor to remain open while offering the flexibility of partition walls concealed within. Conversely, the second option introduced a courtyard, providing overhead illumination to the central area of the house.

Which option do you think was developed?