The renovation of the Sancho de Ávila Funeral Home represents a profound transformation of one of Barcelona’s most emblematic facilities. Inaugurated in 1968 as the country’s first funeral home, the space has been reinterpreted to adapt both its functionality and architectural language to contemporary needs, creating a welcoming, light-filled, and modern environment.
The new complex is organised around two main volumes that differentiate the facility’s functions and are structured around a large central courtyard. This space serves as the heart of the project — an open area that links the various buildings, manages circulation, and creates a calm transition between the urban environment and more intimate interior spaces.
Each building conveys a distinct identity. The funeral home, with its pronounced horizontality, turns inward, closing off to the street while opening towards the interior to ensure privacy and tranquility. In contrast, the service building is designed to be permeable and transparent, establishing a direct connection with the neighbourhood and the city. Both structures are constructed from high-quality materials — exposed concrete, wood, ceramic, and glass — reinforcing the ensemble’s sobriety and elegance.
In the exterior areas, Breinco contributed with the Llosa Vulcano®, selected for its strength, durability, and neutral tone. Its smooth surface and stable colour integrate seamlessly with the architecture, providing visual continuity and a sense of calm within the urban environment.
The result is an environment of exceptional architectural and sensory quality, where light, materials, and vegetation interact to create a landscape of tranquillity and contemplation in the heart of the city.
