exposed concrete and bursting yellow Martí Julià remodeled building
Located in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, at SpainMartí Julià is the comprehensive reform of a corner building in a modern one apart–hotel. The project by mira redefines the spatial organization, material expression and urban presence of the building through a combination of preserved structural elements and new architectural interventions. The design is based on a deliberate dialogue between the existing building and the modern additions. Exposed concrete slabs, structural walls and irregular surfaces left over from the original construction remain visible in all selected interior spacesallowing traces of the previous building to coexist with new architectural elements. Instead of obscuring the existing fabric, the intervention makes the transformation of the building legible.
A continuous color strategy unifies the work. A bright yellow is applied lengthwise facadesbalconies, railings, shutters, carpentry, circulation areas and interior details, acting as both an identification element and a spatial arrangement. The color reinforces the visual continuity between the interior and exterior spaces, while giving the building a distinct presence in its urban context.
The exterior is reshaped through a series of continuous balconies equipped with custom metal railings. Their gently undulating profile introduces a softer rhythm to the existing structure, while the repetition of yellow shutters and balustrades creates a consistent facade composition. Together, these elements redefine the corner building’s relationship with the surrounding landscape. At roof level, a communal terrace is enclosed by a white parapet dotted with circular openings. These openings frame views towards the city while allowing daylight and natural ventilation to penetrate. Their yellow-lined interiors continue the material and color language of the project, creating visual connections between the roof and the rest of the building.
Martí Julià restores a corner building in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat | all images from By Rio Bunny
The yellow details extend the architectural language in the interior spaces
The interiors adopt a restrained material palette combining white walls, exposed concrete ceilings and wooden floors. The kitchens are organized as solid inserts within the living spaces, incorporating custom cabinetry and ceramic tile splashbacks in yellow and deep green. The use of color extends the architectural language to the domestic scale, while distinguishing functional areas. Bathrooms are treated as integrated architectural spaces through monochromatic tiled surfaces, circular mirrors, steel sinks and walk-in showers. Repeated circular elements create continuity with the roof openings and reinforce a consistent formal language throughout the project.
Circulation areas, particularly the stairs, combine exposed concrete with thin yellow steel railings, emphasizing vertical movement while maintaining visual continuity throughout the building. At street level, a yellow ceramic plinth, carefully proportioned openings and corner articulation reinforce the relationship between the building and the public space. Through the reuse of the existing structure, a consistent material palette and a coordinated use of color, the restoration with Mira design studio establishes a contemporary architectural identity while maintaining visible traces of the building’s previous state.
The existing concrete structure remains visible throughout the project
circular openings mark the parapet of the roof
Yellow becomes the continuous architectural language of the project
