It was in the first visit to the building with clients when we discovered potential behind its walls. At the same time, we also realized the important challenge we will be dealing with, in a listed house, between party walls…
In this 100 years old house only few finishes had been changed or covered to hide some humidity marks. Rest was original.
The program consist of an open plan ground floor with living , dining and kitchen, and an upper floor with at least 2 bedrooms and a big bathroom, Finally first floor has 2 bedrooms, plus studio. In the design process, an extra floor on the attic, under the roof, was added.
So the idea was to maintain the essence but creating a contemporaneous living space, with all nowadays´ commodities. Wooden joists are exposed over living room and the attic, existing columns were cleaned and brickwork is exposed, façade brick wall is also showing the original ceramic brick in its interior. Lighting is placed in order to highlight this vernacular elements.
First revisions were only for a 2 floors house, taking much of the house original layout. After negotiations with authorities and heritage commission, project intentions got bigger and more freedom in the design was achieved, even one extra floor!, keeping the exterior volume as original.
The most challenging tasks were reinforcing the existing columns and the space under the roof. Thanks to the contractor Eliamo, these tasks were solved efficiently and safely.
Regarding materials and finishes, Lighting has been very precisely studied, together with Arkoslight. Natural materials have been used in the floor, natural stone for ground floor, in a dark tone, that serves as a dim background where all activites happen., and natural wood for bedrooms and upper floors, giving these spaces warmer feeling. Bathrooms wall are covered by ceramic tiles, with different geometrical patterns that enrichen spaces.
Team:
Architects: v·om
Photographer: Fran Alvarez
