‘Villa Julia’ is a smart little des res for sure. With a bold façade and lots of potential for the owner to place their own stamp on it, the playhouse was created by Spanish designer Javier Mariscal, who is as much a national mascot as Cobi, the dog he created for the Barcelona 1982 Olympics.
It may well be the easiest way to get a place near to this visionary – and it’s worth noting that where Mariscal goes other creative minds are sure to follow. Around the studio he set up in the eighties, in what was then an abandoned and run-down collection of warehouses in the Poblenou district, has now sprung up a quiet and leafy artists’ community and impressive creative hub worth visiting.
Fab 40: ’Villa Julia’ Playhouse, Javier Mariscal
Established by Ignacio Fernandez Rodgriquez in 2003, Aspid Cars has brought the Supercar to Spain
Established by Ignacio Fernandez Rodgriquez in 2003, Aspid Cars has brought the Supercar to Spain
Established by Ignacio Fernandez Rodgriquez in 2003, Aspid Cars has brought the Supercar to Spain
Established by Ignacio Fernandez Rodgriquez in 2003, Aspid Cars has brought the Supercar to Spain
The Cubic rooms of Aragon’s Hotel Consolacion perch high above Aragon

A high-design boutique hotel, Consolacion sits atop a rocky ravine in North East Spain

Espadrilles, the stylish Spanish footwear of choice

Espadrilles, the stylish Spanish footwear of choice
Studio House Acoran II, by Gyp Arquitectos
Recycling centre by Hidalgo Hartmann architects
Recycling Centre, Barcelona by Hidalgo Hartmann
Recycling Centre, Barcelona by Hidalgo Hartmann
Hotel Ferrero, Valencia
Hotel Ferrero, Valencia

Hotel Ferrero, Valencia
Hotel Ferrero, Valencia
Hotel Ferrero, Valencia
Hotel Ferrero, Valencia
Hotel Ferrero, Valencia
Hotel Ferrero, Valencia
Hotel Ferrero, Valencia
Hotel Ferrero, Valencia

Villa Julia Playhouse, by Javier Mariscal
Valdermorillo House, by Padilla Nicas
Valdermorillo House, by Padilla Nicas

Women’s Institute Mostoles, by Nodo

Women’s Institute Mostoles, by Nodo

One of the 2009 Pamplona Festival’s high-colour posters

One of the 2009 Pamplona Festival’s high-colour posters

One of the 2009 Pamplona Festival’s high-colour posters

One of the 2009 Pamplona Festival’s high-colour posters

One of the 2009 Pamplona Festival’s high-colour posters

One of the 2009 Pamplona Festival’s high-colour posters


Muralla by Ricardo Bofill Architects
Fabrica by Ricardo Bofill Architects


Simil Jesus by Ricardo Fumnal

Work for GIles Deacon by Ricardo Fumnal
Artwork for Mango by RIcardo Fumnal
The Lab Room Spa, Madrid
The Lab Room Spa, Madrid

Trestle table by Spanish designer, Tomas Alonso

Trestle table by Spanish designer, Tomas Alonso
Erotic publishing from Spanish creative, Luis Venegas
Erotic publishing from Spanish creative, Luis Venegas
Wind farms help keep things running at the Aire de Bardenas Hotel