Barcelona Historic House Renovation: A Comprehensive Transformation by LAOS + Laura Bongiovanni

Introduction to the Barcelona Historic House Renovation

In the heart of Barcelona’s old Sarrià neighborhood, LAOS (Xavier Botet + Albert Saboya) and Laura Bongiovanni have undertaken a remarkable historic house renovation project that breathes new life into two late 19th-century homes. These once-altered interiors, now meticulously rehabilitated, showcase a sensitive architectural approach that preserves the cultural essence of Barcelona’s architectural heritage while upgrading the spaces for contemporary living.

Preserving Architectural Heritage in Sarrià

The project’s foundation lies in honoring the protected façade while addressing the heavily modified interiors. Over time, the original finishes and coverings had been stripped away, leaving little trace of the past. The architects approached this historic house renovation by first removing non-original elements, stripping back layers to reveal the authentic fabric: brick vaults, steel supports from later interventions, varied brickwork, and the delicate cast iron pillar galleries. This restoration strategy carefully avoids altering the load-bearing walls, preserving the structural integrity of the buildings.

Duplex-Style Living in a Historic Setting

The spatial configuration results in two duplex homes connected by a shared staircase. The lower floors house the main living spaces, opening onto the south-facing façades, while the upper floors are designed for the private sleeping quarters. The design cleverly positions wet areas like bathrooms within the interior spaces, maintaining a functional and efficient layout. To ensure thermal performance, the renovation incorporates internal insulation using high-density gypsum and cement panels, preserving the thermal inertia of the original construction.

Materiality and Craftsmanship in the Renovation

A hallmark of this Barcelona historic house renovation is its restrained yet sophisticated material palette. The new central cores are clad in warm oak wood paneling, adding a tactile, contemporary contrast to the exposed historic surfaces. Continuous terrazzo flooring integrates an underfloor heating system, providing modern comfort within the historic shell. In the bedrooms, custom oak wood headboards and furniture elements echo the central paneling, unifying the interiors with cohesive detailing.

Uncovering Layers of Architectural History

One of the most striking aspects of this renovation is the respectful exposure of architectural layers. In the living and dining rooms, the walls are left bare, showcasing the textures of past interventions, while preserving historic false ceilings adorned with intricate plaster moldings. Rectangular beams in the upper floors speak to the history of attic spaces repurposed over generations. The result is a delicate balance between past and present, where old and new coexist seamlessly within the domestic space.

Redefining Heritage in Barcelona

This comprehensive historic house renovation in Barcelona by LAOS and Laura Bongiovanni exemplifies a thoughtful architectural response to cultural preservation and modern living. By embracing the history embedded in the walls while introducing contemporary comforts, the project redefines how heritage buildings can adapt to the needs of today’s families. It stands as an inspiring model for historic renovations in Barcelona and beyond, reflecting the enduring beauty of architectural continuity.

All Photographs are works of José Hevia