Casa Bloc

Casa Bloc is a residential building in Barcelona, formed by five interlinked blocks arranged in an S-shape. Its 207 apartments range from 55 to 77 square metres, with windows designed for daylight and ventilation. Josep Lluís Sert, Josep Torres Clavé and Joan Baptista Subirana created it through GATCPAC, a group associated with modern architecture during the Second Spanish Republic.

Built between 1932 and 1936, the complex pursued affordable, functional housing for workers and a shared urban life. Planned communal facilities included children’s play areas, gardens, nurseries, libraries, a consumer cooperative and workers’ clubs. The Spanish Civil War left the building unfinished, while later political changes altered its residents, communal spaces and original design.

The Generalitat de Catalunya declared Casa Bloc a protected heritage monument in 1992. Apartment 1/11 opened as a museum after restoration in 2012. This 60-square-metre duplex preserves hydraulic tiles, folding doors, economical kitchen fittings, period furniture, original-style taps and light switches. Its lower level includes a kitchen, bathroom, dining room, laundry area with shower and terrace, while two bedrooms occupy the upper floor. The roof once held an anti-aircraft machine gun during bombing around Sant Andreu.