Renowned French architect Odile Decq’s first residential building project is a unique world of its own
Antares Barcelona architect Odile Decq
Antares Barcelona is the first high-rise residential project designed by award-winning French architect Odile Decq. Described as both ‘radical’ and a ‘rockstar’, Decq is known for her ground-breaking and unconventional approach, and her method of integrating design, art, architecture and urban planning into what is often called a ‘complete universe’. Investors in Antares Barcelona get the full benefit of this visionary architect’s work creating living spaces and communal areas of outstanding style and functionality.
Some of Decq’s best-known buildings include the Banque Populaire de l’Ouest, in Rennes, France, and the Museum of Contemporary Art of Rome. Decq has said her philosophy is that a building should be: “a place where people can move, live in good conditions, forget the hardness of the life outside.”
Antares Barcelona design
The elegant curves of Antares Barcelona’s exterior owes much to Decq’s visionary approach to design. Seamless, glass-fronted terraces edged in eye-catching red and white are masterpieces of form and function. Offering outstanding additional living space, they create an undulating façade with character and flair that takes inspiration from the waves of its waterfront setting. With staggering views out to sea, the upper terraces with their bamboo-wood flooring and glass rails give the impression of being on the deck of a ship.
In creating Antares Barcelona for the developing new district of Diagonal Mar, Decq told architecture magazine Dezeen: “This fluid impression adds to the city’s dynamic skyline while still being well proportioned and sophisticated.”
Interiors have been created by Decq to maximise the views and use of light and space, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening directly onto the terraces, high ceilings and open-plan living areas that flow freely into each other. The architect’s Studio Odile Decq has also designed many of the interior furnishings to complement the ethos of the building’s exterior fluidity. Kitchen islands, baths and bathroom fittings are moulded in smooth, organic shapes. Such is Decq’s attention to detail that even stair treads have been designed bespoke. The elegant curves throughout the building continue the theme of incorporating natural forms into her work.
Antares Barcelona communal areas
Communal areas of the Antares Barcelona building get a dash of Decq’s drama and fun. The triple-height reception is a showpiece in itself with its colonnade-style exterior pillars and walls of curved glass. The on-site restaurant is dominated by a red-painted statement staircase and even the underground car park is decorated in shades of Decq’s trademark colours of deep red and black. Light fittings and furnishings in the public areas have been created by Decq as works of art. The playful entertainment pavilion with its bright-red colour scheme and angular shape is inspired by two of Barcelona’s most famous artists, Miró and Gaudí.
The urban vibe is offset in places by beautiful ‘green walls’ filled with living plants. This homage to nature is one of the focal points of the building’s incredible spa and fitness studio, which Decq was determined would not appear functional and bland. The natural planting is complemented by slate flooring and alder-wood panelling on the softly curved walls to give residents a cool, refreshing view while they work out. The centrepiece of the spa is Decq’s enormous bespoke yoga pod. Crafted by hand from alder wood and inspired by the work of the artist Gaudí, the yoga pod is both a dramatic work of art and a relaxing, cocooning space.
Antares Barcelona
Award-winning Antares Barcelona is making waves as the highest ultra-prime residential building on the Catalan capital’s waterfront, with spectacular city and sea views from a seat of luxury.
