Casa Batllo by Antoni Gaudi (1852-1926)

I don’t even know where to start when

talking about Antoni Gaudi itself,
it’s masterful crafted works or the
ideas behind this genius mastermind
which still makes an impression after
so many years.

I think we all know, by now, who

Antoni Gaudi was or to at least
recognize it’s unique style when we
see some of his outsanding projects.
That’s all that he is - unique.

The work that I chose to write about

is Casa Battlo, a house which was
redesigned by Gaudi in 1904 and opened
in 1906. I chose this house because,
although he was working on many large
scale projects, this is one of his
least known projects but one that
shows the craftsmanship and detail
from the facade itself to railing
decorations.

Locally it’s named “House of Bones”

for its skeletal look from outside. On
the inside it’s like a whole new story
to tell when talking about its’
organic shape features and furnish.

From outside to inside we’re welcomed

by the organic limestone balconies in
contrast with the top floor section
which is decorated with ceramic mozaic
tiles, ceramic tiles also on the
dragon spine room which was almost
like Gaudi’s signature and four
chimney tops.

The layout of the house is like a

roundabout, the house having displayed
only 3 side of it: one with the
balconies, whilst the other 2 covered
in ceramic mozaic multi-shaded tiles.
The interior doesn’t let expectations
down. We see here wooden framework in
all shapes and sizes for doors,
windows and seating, custom made
furniture and railing requiring a
serious degree of craftsmanship, a
series of curved stairs that gives the
interior a high-class feel.

The central section of the house, one

of its’ points of interest, is
finished with ceramic mozaic tiles
with all shaded of blue. Topaz, sky
blue, deep blue and many other colors
give a sight to behold, blue being
associated in Gaudi’s works with
references to the sea and it’s also a
common colour in Spain.

Overall, the outstanding beauty of

the house is mainly due to its’ genius
chief architect and his creativity
defining a unique catalan modernist
style of architecture that would
change the way we look at design
forever.

Sources of information:

www.wikipedia.com
www.archdaily.com
www.casabatllo.es/en/