Apartment Renovation in Eixample | Eva Cotman

This projects aims to keep the same living feel of the beginning of the XX century in a flat of the Eixample of Barcelona by enhancing the existing features with the least possible amount of intervention.

Even though the property on its own does not have a special heritage value, all the constructive elements have a special attraction on its own, and they all come together in this project, either through preserving, renovating or adapting of those elements to the project.

We are talking about a 75m2 apartment that remained untouched for 100 years. Having a closer look at the blueprints, you can clearly see that it has the traditional Eixample building features: large flats with compartmented spaces distributed among a hallway, high ceilings with decorative molding and frames. Floors are made of typical mosaic made of hydraulic tiles with coloured texture, buy still discreet and elegant.

It all starts with keeping an even distribution of the elements, adapting the existing spaces according to the needs of today’s users but maintaining the same elements of the past. In order to achieve this goal, every single part and its function is crafted on its own and then adapted to the overarching functionality of the whole structure, never losing sight of the harmony and homogeneity of the flat.

The refurbishment of the property highlights its original features: the hydraulic tiled floors, high ceilings and the brick walls. Marble and ceramic were used in the refurbishing of the bathroom and kitchen, pre-existing materials found when we first entered the flat. Marble is the predominant material in the areas for common use (bathroom, toilet and kitchen). It is used across the three like a continuous line, starting from the borders of the shower that continues forming a shelf that surrounds the toilet and ends in the worktop in the kitchen. To revive the memory of the old flat, porcelain illumination features from the beginning of XX century are placed in all of these areas, as well as the frames of the paintings from the old owner. On the other hand, there is a chromatic homogenization of the walls (painted white) to enhance the light and to highlight the floor texture.

Throughout the refurbishing process there was a specific focus on the original carpentry and flooring. The original doors and windows are kept, but an effort was made to improve its insulation and acoustic properties. The tiled floors were subject to a special treatment in order to bring their original colours back to life, as well as to improve their waterproof ability and resistance.

All in all, this is a project that brings together the original building materials and features of an XXth century property with the needs of today’s living standards. Result: a robust, modern and fully recycled flat that have made the most of what was found.