Apartment Puerto Rico JD

Carlos Segura

• Architects

Applied products

SCAVA WEVER & DUCRÉ

Koinè Luceplan

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This project began with a simple and practical approach, but the apartment’s essence led us in a new direction. When we removed the wooden laminate fl ooring, we uncovered the original Valencian hydraulic tiles, hidden for decades. Additionally, after dismantling two false ceilings, we revealed a space with different heights, including a hidden attic and a Catalan vaulted ceiling—elements that added character and uniqueness to the place.

photo_credit Carlos Segura — Carlos Segura

These discoveries completely changed our strategy. Instead of imposing a predefi ned vision, we decided to respect the apartment’s history and let its original elements guide our design choices. At the owner’s request, we kept the bedrooms in their original location, facing the main façade, where the highest ceiling is found. We proposed a direct connection between the living room and the main bedroom, separated only by curtains, allowing the double height to be appreciated from the entire home. The previously enclosed kitchen was moved to an open space, while the bathroom was relocated to the former kitchen area, creating a more fl exible and open environment.

Restoring the tiles and placing them in the central areas of the home was a delicate and detailed process, as was the restoration of the exposed brick and other original structural elements. However, it was a unanimous decision: to bring back all the hidden beauty and allow it to coexist harmoniously with the new phase of the space.

The fi nal result is a fusion of old and new, where every detail highlights the apartment’s history without losing sight of contemporary needs. More than just a renovation, this project became a celebration of past and present, transforming the space into a unique home that honors its history while embracing the future.