Can Gats | Under construction | Surface area: 63 m2 (678 ft2) | El Born, Barcelona, Spain. | Designed by Nada.

The Architecture of the Essential | Located in the heart of El Born, this project transforms an apartment in critical condition through an optimization-driven approach. Given a constrained budget, the intervention prioritizes structural reinforcement and the preservation of original elements, focusing resources on the essentials. | The floor plan is opened up toward the exterior to maximize natural light. The backbone of the design is a large, raw MDF piece of furniture: a continuous shelving unit that articulates the entire layout. Notably, the vanity area transcends its residual role to function as a circulation hub toward other rooms, becoming fully integrated into daily life. | The project’s character is defined by a vibrant chromatic contrast. The proposal was born from a bold idea—a pink resin floor—which, combined with white walls, balances the sobriety of the furniture. The result is a space proving that the most vibrant architecture arises from economy of means and creative courage.