A FLAT IN BARCELONA

I came across these pictures of this flat in Barcelona the other day. Isn't it pretty?

The project is called Crush Alba. The architect is Gus Wustemann and the photographer is Bruno Helbling. It was featured on Archdaily in this post. 

Crusch Alba is located in the center of the historical part of Barcelona in the Gotico area. According to the article, the trick was that there is not a lot of natural sunlight in the building, as sunlight and heat were of nuisance in the time these buildings were built (no air conditioning). To solve this, the architects made a white cross-shaped volume through the center of the home. This brightens up the space. The white volume (the girl is standing in it in the picture above) becomes the "new" space, while the other space the "old", which still has layers upon layers of exposed original elements, such as raw and stone and painted ceilings (only varnish was used).

'Program free' architecture was used throughout this project, and it is explained how it was used for Crusch Alba on their website, here.

I just love the mix of old and new in this project. Instead of making an effort to modernize the space by making it look new, the historical relevance of this building was embraced and made  even more beautiful and functional.

 The architect of this project is Gus Wustemann, and all pictures were taken by Bruno Helbling.Thank you for allowing me to use these photos and show this project.

THOUGHTS ON MOVING

Isn't this a beautiful photo? It was taken by Lee Brown, although I found it on thedailymuseblog.

Luis and I both have jobs here in California, and our family is in California, so moving seems a tad unrealistic at this point. However, we actually talk about moving to Europe someday. I think it would be amazing! We would like to move to Spain so that our kid(s) would learn Spanish fluently (And I would finally learn it as well). Also, I love the idea that for a weekend we could simply hop on a plane and be in a different country within a matter of hours.

Lately, however, I am dreaming of moving to New York. To either Manhattan or Brooklyn. I do realize how entirely different those two places are to live, but really both sound amazing. I think Manhattan for the idea of it, but Brooklyn because it seems more practical and calm for Elle, yet still close enough to the city.

Another photo of a Brooklyn townhouse. Photo from Brooklyn Home Company, by Emily Gilbert. Joanna from A Cup of Jo wrote more about this home here, and it was on her post that I found this picture. (I just love A Cup of Jo)!

I have learned that moving can be so difficult, especially when your friends and family are not nearby. However, I do think it is great to be able to experience more than one place and I am happy that I moved as a kid. That being said, I tend to get really attached to people and places where I live (who doesn't?) and don't necessarily want to move over and over. If you had to chose between Europe and New York to live...say for at least 2-3 years, where would you chose?

PS: I really enjoyed this post from thedailymuse.com on condos vs. brownstone buildings in New York.

PPS: This is one of my favorite New York real estate stories. It was featured in New York Magazine, and I also read about it on this post.