Seven Lives Housing consists of a small block of three tiny apartments on a plot between established buildings in the old centre of the Horta neighbourhood in Barcelona.
© Eugeni Bach
Our first reflection in acting in this sort of urban environment, so characteristic of the city, is to design a proposal that both conserves the character of the neighbourhood while doing so from a contemporary perspective.
© Eugeni Bach
In this sense, the façade facing the street is made up of the usual elements and proportions in the neighbourhood: balconies, blinds, baseboards, stucco, etc. But we give the facade a twist in its details and the simplicity of its elements, with the peculiarity that one of these elements’ escapes from the perimeter of the façade. The effect is, on the one hand, to tie up the neighbouring lot, which is the only one on the street that does not comply with the rules of “good neighbourliness”, as it has one more floor than is allowed. On the other hand, it promotes the open space of the terrace, as another living space for the enjoyment of the neighbours.
© Eugeni Bach
The plot is tight in all its dimensions, allowing for an apartment of only 40 m2 per floor. Given the scarcity of surface, the proposal adds value to the homes through a central space that includes the staircase, kitchen and bathroom. This provides for two equal spaces on both facades, one faces the street and the other the block’s interior patio.
© Eugeni Bach
With this solution, we intend to provide a certain indeterminacy in the use of these spaces. They can be set up as a traditional home, with the placement of a double room on one side and a living room on the other, or they can provide for a shared home in the style of a student flat, with two symmetrical spaces.
© Eugeni Bach
Summing up all of the different combinations, there are seven ways of living in these three houses, seven lives, like seven windows.
© Eugeni Bach
© Eugeni Bach
Project Info
Architects: Anna & Eugeni Bach
Year: 2020
Country: Barcelona, Spain
Photographs: Eugeni Bach
Lead Architect: Roger Molas
Structure: Masala consultors
MEP Consultants: Atres80 SL / Joan Escanelles
Design Team: Mario Sousa, Milagros Caputo
Model: Eric Broder
Promotor: Auriac
Anastasia Andreieva is an accomplished Architectural Projects Editor at Arch2O, bringing a unique blend of linguistic expertise and design enthusiasm to the team. Born and raised in Ukraine, she holds a Master’s degree in Languages from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Her deep passion for architecture and visual storytelling led her to transition from translation and editorial roles into the world of design media. With a keen eye for conceptual clarity and narrative structure, Anastasia curates and presents global architectural projects with precision and flair. She is particularly drawn to parametric and digital design, cultural context, and emerging voices in architecture. When I’m not analyzing the latest architectural trends, you’ll probably find me searching for hidden gems in cityscapes or appreciating the beauty of well-crafted spaces. After all, great design—like great connections—can be found in the most unexpected places. Speaking of connections, because architecture isn’t the only thing that brings people together.