2025 in review: five extraordinary Gira living spaces

With “The Library”, architecture firm LoCa Studio transformed a narrow townhouse in Barcelona into a light-filled open space. By removing ceiling elements, installing two-storey glass facades and adding a striking book wall, the result is a unique blend of reading nook, living space and studio. 

Despite the open-plan layout, the house remains functionally structured: private retreats such as bedrooms, workspaces and a sunlit lower ground floor ensure a balance between openness and privacy. The adjacent courtyard – furnished with seating, a grill and atmospheric lighting – becomes an inviting outdoor extension of the home. 

Smart home technology from Gira enhances both comfort and energy efficiency. The Gira KNX system automatically adjusts lighting, temperature and other functions depending on the situation. The Gira pushbutton sensor 4.55 makes it easy to activate pre-set scenes like “Dinner” or “All off” with a single tap. 

The smart concept is completed by switches and socket outlets from the Gira E2 design line in glossy pure white, subtly blending into the contemporary interior design. “The Library Barcelona” is a prime example of how architectural vision, intelligent technology and timeless design can come together to create a harmonious living experience. 

High above the Atlantic Ocean, on the steep slopes of Cape Town’s Bantry Bay, villa “Lion’s Ark” shows how architecture, nature, and design can merge into one breathtaking whole. Expansive glass facades, flowing transitions between rooms, and a generous outdoor area with an infinity pool blur the boundaries between inside and out. 

The minimalist interior and spectacular views create an atmosphere of calm, elegance, and openness. 

The technology behind the scenes is equally impressive. The Gira KNX system connects all key functions and is controlled via the Gira HomeServer and the intuitive Gira G1 central control unit. Gira pushbutton sensors 4.55 allow lighting scenes, climate, and shading to be customised at the touch of a button. 

Outdoors, Gira light and energy columns and the weatherproof Gira TX_44 switch range provide robust, reliable solutions for power and lighting. 

Inside, elegant Gira Esprit frames in aluminium integrate seamlessly into the minimalist design. The result is a living concept that brings together technical comfort, security, and aesthetic appeal at the highest level. 

In Berlin’s Viktoria-Quartier, a former blacksmith’s yard has been transformed into a modern family home that blends historical industrial charm with contemporary comfort. Spread across three levels, the 240-square-metre split-level flat offers airy spaces, plenty of natural light, and smooth transitions between the kitchen, living area, and gallery. 

Architectural details such as brick walls, historical lettering, and green steel beams have been deliberately preserved and thoughtfully showcased. A mix of contrasting materials, from marble and Senso cast flooring to colourful tiles, creates a vibrant yet cohesive atmosphere. 

Gira products stylishly complement the modern living concept. Switches and socket outlets from the Gira E2 design line in black matt echo the industrial aesthetic while adding timeless accents. 

Thanks to compatibility with the Gira System 55, smart functions such as lighting, heating, and blind control can be easily integrated. The result is a living space that respects its past while embracing the possibilities of modern design and smart technology. 

Once on the brink of collapse, the more than 350-year-old Weber house in the heart of Amsterdam has been carefully restored by Benthem Crouwel Architects to become a striking example of modern heritage preservation. 

After securing the structure with a new foundation, the narrow townhouse was sensitively gutted, reconstructed, and adapted for contemporary living. A new glass rear facade now floods all four floors with daylight, while original features such as staircases, wood panelling, and structural elements have been lovingly preserved. 

The cleverly arranged interior layout, from the bright basement to the open top floor, demonstrates how old and new can come together in a versatile and cohesive home. 

Modern living comfort is ensured by a tech upgrade based on the Gira KNX system, which seamlessly links all key functions. Lighting and blinds are controlled via the Gira pushbutton sensor 4.55. 

Switches and socket outlets from the Gira E2 design line in black matt provide clear, timeless accents. The Gira System 106 door communication system combines functionality with sleek design and integrates perfectly into the minimalist renovation. The result is a home that effortlessly unites four centuries of architectural history with contemporary technology. 

In Mortsel, near Antwerp, a townhouse demonstrates how a narrow gap between buildings can be transformed into a surprisingly spacious living environment. Architecture studio poot architectuur made clever use of the tight site by developing an innovative design with a curved brick facade, staggered levels, and double-height spaces that bring in light and a sense of openness. 

Inside, a striking oval concrete staircase shapes the open interior concept. It is a bold architectural feature that blends organic forms, exposed concrete, and vibrant colour accents. 

Every detail reflects a strong sense of aesthetic clarity. Materials such as brick, concrete, and colourful built-ins create contrasts full of warmth and character. The architectural concept is complemented by switches and socket outlets from the Gira E2 design line in black matt, whose clean lines integrate effortlessly into the pared-down space. 

Gira products add modern, functional accents and enhance the home’s purist look. The result is a bold urban space that embraces architectural creativity and proves that even the smallest plots can give rise to extraordinary living concepts.