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Ricardo Bofill, one of the most respected architects in Europe, works and lives in this former cement factory located in Barcelona, Spain. This was an abandoned cement factory that Ricardo Bofill bought around 1973. He originally envisioned it as a place to work, with offices, archives and a model laboratory. During the two years it took to complete the project, however, he fell in love with it even more and decided that it would be a cool place to actually live in.
He changed many things in this space. Outside he planted eucalyptus, palms, cypresses and olive trees. Inside, the work was very intense. He demolished many walls and structures. He also cleaned the cement and exposed previously concealed structures.
For him, the job is done, but the space will always remain an unfinished one, which he sees as being very artistic. Bofill says that this is the only place he can really concentrate and work in peace. It’s where he can feel truly inspired.
Factory Before The Transformation
Work Space Nowadays
Watch You Head
Conference Room
Gray As Cement
Displaying Work
Lofty Living Space
Dining Room
Kitchen
Private Office
Master Bedroom & Tub
Gardens
So, I ask you… Living in a former cement factory is a “Cool or Fool” thing to do?
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
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Bom dia, Luciane!
Eu achei super “cool” converter uma fábrica de cimento neste espaçoso loft, adorei.
Tenha um ótimo final de semana.
Beijos
Hmmmm … I think it had the potential to be cool, but I am not fond ofthe decor or style, so I vote fool!
Looks a little scary to me….I would be afraid the funnel shaped structure above the conference table would fall one day. I would question the integrity of the building. However, I am sure that issue was taken into consideration. I love the drama of the curtains in the living space.
Absolutely love it, it’s like a loft not in an apartment building. (if that made any sense) Interior is dazzling, the architectural details add so much flair and distinction. Cool!
Curbed in one of my favorite sites, saw you last week on there. Good job!
Very cool! When I was a student in Architecture school in Buffalo, New York I climbed abandoned concrete grain elevators once. Reminds me of that – scary but breathtaking!
Loretta
Most definitely cool! Love all of the greener climbing the walls. neat interiors as well. But I wouldn’t like it as much is the greenery didn’t soften the outside.
Could hardly wait to see what you showcased today, and I think it’s wonderul!! Very modern, lofty, and industrial feel…amazing space!! Have a wonderful weekend, Luciane!!
it looks interesting but scary 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend, Luciane!
Hands down COOL!
congrats on the curbed nod, L.! next stop for Homebunch: THE MOON.
the loftiness is cool, but there is a loneliness about the property. sometimes you can sense when an owner takes himself way too seriously. not a fool, but lacking FUN (i know i’m insane for totally shrinking this architect based on a few photos!)
michele
Have to say FOOL. Too industrial too fee like home for me….have a super weekend, look forward to seeing Monday’s post. 🙂
WOW WHERE DOES ONE FIND THE ENERGY TO TAKE ON A
PROJECT LIKE THIS?????
PERHAPS THIS MAKES HIM FEEL SAFE AND A MORE INTIMATE SPACE WOULD TAKE AWAY THIS PROTECTION???
XXOO
MELISSA
Cool! Definitely. For me I might feel a little lost with the soaring ceilings extraordinaire, but he has done a fantastic job of repurposing this space! Love it.
I’d take it! It’s not quite my style, but I love Barcelona. I’d make it work!
This is quite genius.. I wouldnt like to live there myself but I still find it so creative!
I loved your idea of “cool or fool”, can’t wait for future posts! xx
I guess I would have to say cool but a foolish way to spend your money or at least my money. It is grand but very industrial feeling.
Very cool! I love the exterior with the garden and vines. The interior lacks warmth in my opinion but maybe that’s the way he likes it. Anytime someone lives their dream I think it’s cool!
I really love it. I’m not sure I could live there though. I think I prefer a slightly more hemmed-in feeling in a house. Those ceilings are so bizarrely high….it’d almost be like being outside!!
This is SUCH a great idea though – the cool or fool….plus, nice name!!
Sarahxxxxx
I say very cool! Although my favourite part is the unruly vines, so, not sure what that says about me – but the vines bring so much life to it and tether the vastness of the size and height of the structure to the earth.
Cool…but I think it would be better for an office space. Not sure I could live there but it would be fun for a creative company like an advertising agency.
Mary Ann
Hello, hello! 🙂
I’m loving all the comments! I’m right there with you! It’s a great space, but I wouldn’t be able to live there… I need to feel cozy in a space and this is too big for me. Besides, I would feel scared during the night!!! LOL
I hope you’re all enjoying your weekend! I’m off to clean my house and I’m gad isn’t as big as this factory. 🙂
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
Cool! I little to cold for my taste but I could live in
it. I love your site! Just found it a few days ago.
Hi Lucianne,
I really love it ! Considering his profession and the workspace, it is a perfect place to have a home as well!
I love loft spaces!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
wow Lucieane IF i had the money to do as i pleased its FABULOUS and yes i would love th job of doing it too mmmmmmmm lucky man Love Fay xxx
I think it is beautiful, so I say ‘cool’, however it looks like it would be hard to heat this place (it does get chilly in winter, in Spain), so maybe ‘too cool’?