MORTEX® at the heart of a fluid and contemporary architecture

• Casa « La Alicia », renovation of a private residence in Castelldefels, near Barcelona.
• Project author : Joan Astallé
• Architect : Crü Studio
• Material used : System MORTEX®, BEAL International
• Craftsman : Delacrem Pintors
• Photographer : Adrià Goulà

Casa La Alicia: an award-winning renovation by Crü Studio, enhanced by MORTEX®

Located in Castelldefels, a few kilometres from Barcelona, La Alicia is one of the latest projects by the architectural firm Crü Studio, led by Joan Astallé. This two-storey detached house recently won an award at the BUILT DESIGN AWARDS 2024 in the Interior Design – Renovation category. A well-deserved accolade for this project, which cleverly combines aesthetics, fluid spaces and environmental awareness.

Architecture that promotes fluidity

From the outset, the architects set themselves three clear objectives. The first was to create a fluid connection between the interior and exterior. The original house had a slight difference in level that hindered this continuity. The solution was to create a raised outdoor platform, aligned with the interior level, acting as a transition zone between the garden, the swimming pool and the ground floor.

To reinforce this feeling of continuity, a single coating was chosen: the MORTEX® system, applied both indoors and outdoors. Its mineral, natural and uniform appearance contributes to the visual unification of the whole. The addition of new, strategically positioned windows further amplifies the natural light and the dialogue between the spaces.

Curves and materials: a signature identity

Another key feature of the project was to emphasise the curved geometry of the existing staircase, an iconic element of the original house. This line served as a guiding principle in the design of many new elements. Rounded shapes were thus incorporated into the exterior platforms, interior walls, swimming pool… and even the kitchen, where a large worktop made with MORTEX® micro-mortar takes the form of a curved block at one end and ends in a suspended table at the other. An elegant way to create a subtle link between past and present, existing structure and contemporary renovation.

A sustainable project, designed for the future

The third focus of the project was on sustainability and energy self-sufficiency. The integration of renewable energies, eco-friendly materials and the design of a garden that promotes biodiversity all contribute to reducing the environmental impact of the house.

The MORTEX® system, produced by BEAL International, fits perfectly into this approach. Composed of 95% natural raw materials, it offers a sustainable alternative to traditional coatings. Thanks to its resistance, thinness, impermeability and great flexibility, MORTEX® can be applied directly to existing surfaces (tiles, terrazzo, MDF, concrete, etc.), thus reducing construction waste and execution times.

A material that promotes creative freedom

Applied here by the company Delacrem, the MORTEX® system demonstrates the full range of its aesthetic possibilities. Available in 96 colours and customisable, it allows you to play with finishes – smooth, textured, nuanced – and grain sizes. These options offer architects and designers great creative freedom, for a result that is always tailor-made.