Textured Extension Adds Charm to Spanish Family Home

Just north of Barcelona lies the picturesque town of Sant Cugat del Vallès, known for its historic charm and well-preserved architecture. Here, the renovated Casa EP15340 by Ambit blends traditional character with contemporary comfort. From the street, the façade maintains its timeless presence—textured walls punctuated by a sleek black door and modern windows—while the interior reveals a thoughtful reinterpretation of the classic home for modern family life.

Interior view of Casa EP15340 with gray couch and kitchen cabinets blending with exposed brick walls
Gray couch and cabinets in the kitchen help shape a neutral backdrop that also merges with brick walls

Inside, original materials such as exposed brick and timber ceilings have been preserved and carefully integrated with polished contemporary finishes in white and gray. This contrast between textured, historic surfaces and crisp modern elements creates a layered interior where materiality is central to the design. Natural light plays a major role: skylights and generous openings ensure that even the deepest parts of the plan receive daylight, amplifying the sense of openness and connection to the outdoors.

Street facade of Casa EP15340 in Sant Cugat del Vallès with black doors and preserved character
Classic street facade of Casa 15340 with black doors and a hint of modernity in Sant Cugat del Vallès

The house opens fully to a private rear yard, where a small wooden deck and compact pool craft a tranquil outdoor retreat. Living, dining and kitchen areas are oriented toward this landscape so the interior and exterior feel intimately connected. The outdoor dining space benefits from a simple shade covering, providing shelter for al fresco meals while preserving the openness and visual link to the garden.

Entry with skylight illuminating white, brick and wood finishes at Casa EP15340
Skylight brings natural light into the entry in white, brick and wood

Skylights strategically placed in the entry and bathroom reinforce this bright, airy quality. The architects emphasized daylight as a design tool, ensuring that rooms feel larger and more inviting while maintaining privacy. Exposed brick appears throughout, preserved as a signature element that gives each room warmth, texture and historical continuity.

Loft level home office and reading space at Casa EP15340 with exposed brick and wooden ceiling
Loft level home office and reading space

Space efficiency is a key feature: bedrooms include custom-designed lofts that serve as home offices, reading nooks or private retreats. These elevated platforms increase functional square footage without expanding the footprint, offering versatile zones for work and relaxation that suit today’s lifestyles. One small bedroom demonstrates how a loft can transform a compact footprint into a multifunctional space, while niches have been converted into intimate work areas rich in texture and detail.

Dining room at Casa EP15340 with natural light and brick walls merging contemporary design
Exquisite dining room filled with natural light combines contemporary design with beautiful brick walls

Textural contrasts extend beyond brick and wood. Cork-covered walls introduce a playful, tactile surface that complements the more familiar materials, adding acoustic benefits and a distinctive visual layer. Corridors and transitional spaces have been treated with the same attention, turning simple passages into calm, material-rich links between living areas.

Lower-level bedroom opening to the rear garden at Casa EP15340
Bedroom on the lower level of the house connected with the rear garden

Overall, Casa EP15340 is a thoughtful renovation that preserves the building’s historical identity while fitting it for contemporary living. The result is a warm, engaging home where daylight, materials and careful spatial planning come together to create a functional, beautiful environment—one that respects its past and welcomes present-day life.

Private rear yard with wooden deck and small pool at Casa EP15340
Gorgeous and private rear yard of the home with a lovely deck and small pool
Shaded outdoor dining area and rear deck at Casa EP15340
Simple covering offers shade for the outdoor dining and area and the rear deck
Family room with comfortable seating, exposed brick and wooden ceiling in Casa EP15340
Fabulous reading and family room with comfy seating, brick walls and wooden ceiling
Modern home office with exposed brick walls at Casa EP15340
Home office of the residence with a modern workspace and beautiful brick walls
Compact bedroom with loft level making smart use of space at Casa EP15340
Tiny bedroom with loft level makes smart use of limited space
Niche transformed into a charming home office at Casa EP15340
Turning the niche into the bedroom into a lovely home office fully of textural charm
Cork-covered walls add texture alongside brick and wood at Casa EP15340
Cork-covered walls give the home a quirky surface that is as beautiful as brick and wood walls
Corridor in Casa EP15340 leading to different rooms, showcasing material transitions
Corridor leading to different rooms inside the house