Sensitivity to the natural landscape informs this dynamic family home in Barcelona

When Catalan architecture firm PMMT embarked on the TR House in Barcelona, it soon became clear that the trapezium-shaped site posed certain challenges. Not only was its topography vastly uneven, but the fact that it was located within the grounds of an existing historical building introduced stringent urban planning regulations into the mix. However, rather than balk at the task at hand, the architects rose to the occasion to design an inspired and innovative abode for one young family.

Building controls dictated that the new structure had to integrate itself with the verdant landscape surrounding it, while at the same time providing the family with all of the form and function expected of their home. The result is a striking yet contextually sympathetic cube, partially wrapped in a green vitrified ceramic skin that camouflages the building with its lush locale.

Light pours into the home thanks to the massive windows around the space.

The middle floor is where the family’s bedrooms and bathrooms are located.

The Japanese-inspired aesthetic continues throughout the generous, open-plan communal areas on the ground floor, with contemporary light-wood flooring, room dividers and pared-back appointments that inspire a connection with the visual environment.

Undeterred by urban planning restrictions that required TR House to blend in with its environment, architecture firm PMMT developed an innovative green ceramic skin.

In addition to integrating the home with its environs, the ceramic skin enveloping the cube-shaped structure adds drama.

In order to maintain the family’s privacy – as well as preserve the views enjoyed by the original 19th-century domicile, occupied by the family’s parents – TR House was built across three levels into a depression in the land, largely below street level.

A neutral palette and Mid Century-inspired pieces create a soft and soothing Scandinavian aesthetic.

Photography: Pedro Pegenaute