Before our intervention, in this apartment overlapping stages were visible. Several uses through time accumulated layer over layer. At a first glance one could feel a strange and blurred atmosphere. But beyond confusion we could realise the power of its original defining features: a sequence of linked spaces separated by a powerful rhythm of bearing walls; the distinction of space hierarchy through different mosaic floors; big wood windows, etc.

We believe that refurbishment work must make the most of the existing elements, such as is the case in the urban fabric, which is a conglomerate of different historical times.

These different eras contaminate each other in a complex and ambiguous whole than can be touching. Although in this case the pre-existence was not an exceptional historical or heritage value, it was perfectly re-usable and attractive. It has led us to a strategy of reuse and transformation, with fuzzy boundaries: Over this transformed pre-existence we superimposed new functional spaces framed into wooden boxes.

PHOTOS BY Adrià Goula

PHOTOS BY Adrià Goula

PHOTOS BY Adrià Goula

PHOTOS BY Adrià Goula

PHOTOS BY Adrià Goula

Reuse and transformation:
Stripping of walls and ceilings of existing items and accessories occurring in different operations until reaching essential elements that define the space. Cleaning the walls with a strategic rather than a “hygienic” aim, whilst preserving traces, marks, layers of paint … Building (structural reinforcements, few cracks, confinement) and “critical” replacements. Reading on the floor of the original distribution in smaller rooms. Colour homogenization and optimization of natural light.

Contribution:
Self-enclosed modules (boxes) containing services and storage. Substructure apparent wood studs to the outside (such as packaging, it is important to the inside). The facilities are strategically concentrated in the gaps between “boxes” and placeholder to avoid races in the pre-existence. Finished in white boxes with veladura combining up chromatically to the containing space.

PHOTOS BY Adrià Goula

PHOTOS BY Adrià Goula

PHOTOS BY Adrià Goula

PHOTOS BY Adrià Goula

Collaborators: Arnau Boronat, Eva Cotman, Ana Silva, Carolina Silva