History and modernity in the "Cuadrat D'or”

At the corner of the bustling Paseo de Gracia, right across from Antoni Gaudí's iconic Casa Milà (La Pedrera), lies the latest project by Vania Gaetti, an Italian architect based in Barcelona for over 20 years, specializing in interior and retail design and project management: the complete renovation of a floor in a historic building in the Cuadrat d'Or — Catalan for "Golden Square" — an area of Barcelona's Eixample district that hosts one of the world's largest concentrations of modernist architecture. Bounded roughly by Calle Aribau and Paseo de Sant Joan, Avenida Diagonal at the top, and Plaça de Catalunya at the bottom, the Cuadrat d'Or is home to masterpieces by major architects of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, such as Gaudí, Lluís Domènech i Montaner, and Josep Puig i Cadafalch. This area is famous for its buildings adorned with ornamental and detailed facades, featuring typical elements of Catalan modernism such as natural motifs, curves, ceramic mosaics, wrought iron, and stained glass. Today, the Cuadrat d'Or is both a cultural and tourist attraction in Barcelona, where visitors can stroll and admire the richness of modernism in its finest expression, enjoying both the exterior and access to the interiors of some of these unique buildings.

Such is the case with the palace that houses this architectural gem, purchased by a prominent figure in the banking world, and her husband, General Manager of a pharmaceutical company. The couple, successful and art-and-culture enthusiasts residing in Singapore, chose Barcelona as their new home for their two daughters, drawn by the city’s quality of life and historical-cultural charm.

Vania Gaetti has created an apartment that not only respects Barcelona’s history but also celebrates its vibrant present and future. The result of this synergy is a symphony of historical and modern elements that transform the apartment into a unique and unforgettable experience, where elegance bears the signature of Made in Italy, thanks also to the selection of furniture and accessories from some of the finest Italian brands.

A Journey of Preservation and Renewal

"The first question that arises in any renovation of a historic building is: what should be preserved? The natural answer was to maintain all the significant historical elements," says architect Vania Gaetti. "Among these are more than 10,000 pieces of Nolla mosaics, which have been carefully restored by local artisans. The original wooden doors and windows were also restored and updated with contemporary handles, giving the spaces a fresh and comfortable look."

The carefully designed lighting enhances the ceilings and walls, decorated with high-end moldings that replicate the typical geometries of Barcelona’s Eixample district. The collection of lamps used in the project includes pieces from local brands and artisans, such as the Nightbloom lighting collection created by Marcel Wanders for the Valencian company Lladró, which dominates the entrance hallway. Additionally, the Venetian brand Lodes is featured with the six blown-glass globes of the Random Solo suspension lamp, designed by Chia-Ying Lee, which appear to float above the kitchen island. In one of the elegant suites, the Minigiogali lamp, designed by Angelo Mangiarotti for the glassmaker Vistosi, adds a sophisticated touch. In one of the bedrooms, two Parentesi lamps stand out, designed by Italian designers Achille Castiglioni and Pio Manzù, produced by the Italian company Flos since 1971.

The refined search for original and elegant complements led to the choice of Poudrier wall lights for the suite’s headboard, designed by Philippe Nigro for DCWéditions: a polished brass flap doubles as a rotating mirror and, like a shutter, opens or closes to adjust the light intensity.

Luxury Materials and Cutting-Edge Technology

For the kitchen and bathroom marble, the elegant veining of Calacatta Gold and Montblanc by the Italian brand ABK Stone was chosen, perfectly complementing the oriental elegance of the Phenomenon mosaic, designed by Japanese artist Tokujin Yoshioka for the Italian company Mutina. The bathrooms are equipped with bathtubs featuring chromotherapy lighting, providing ultimate relaxation. The Ingranaggio and Hi-Fi collections by the Italian brand Gessi add a touch of luxury and modernity to the bathrooms.

The apartment, with its elegant and retro tones, is outfitted with contemporary technology that ensures comfort and energy efficiency. The Airzone air conditioning system allows for different temperatures to be set depending on the use of each room, while the carefully selected glass provides acoustic privacy and thermal insulation for every window.