CA SIM
Complete apartment refurbishment in Castelló de la Plana
This architectural project involves a comprehensive renovation of an apartment in Castellón de la Plana, designed for a family of two adults and two children. The primary goal was to transform an outdated, fragmented apartment from the 1970s—characterized by underused spaces and inefficient circulation—into a functional and modern living environment. The new layout includes an open-plan living-dining room with a kitchen, a study that can convert into a guest room, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a storage area.
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The day space is designed as a spacious, west-facing open area that integrates the dining room, living room, and kitchen, maximizing natural light from large windows. This orientation provides warm and pleasant lighting for much of the year, creating a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. A long bench under the windows serves a dual purpose: it acts as seating and a storage solution, providing ample space to organize children's toys and belongings, thus maintaining a tidy aesthetic throughout the space.
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In this same area, the study functions as both a workspace and, with a hidden folding bed integrated into the custom furniture, as a guest room. This thoughtful design allows the space to serve both purposes without compromising functionality.
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The Central Wooden Box: An Organizational Axis
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The layout of the apartment centers around a "box" made of light birch wood, built entirely from dry materials. This central structure does not extend to the ceiling, promoting visual fluidity and providing additional storage space. Inside, it houses a sizable storage area, which is essential for the owners who also use it for parking bicycles and scooters, fitted into their daily routines.
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Various storage solutions are incorporated into the exterior faces of the box, tailored to the needs of different areas. A wardrobe is located near the main entrance, while the living area features a large shelving unit and closed cabinets for books and other items. Opposite the bathroom, there is a designated recycling area and storage for cleaning products and towels. This design maximizes the functionality of each square meter, making the central box a key organizational element in the project.
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Materials, Lighting, and Finishes
Careful selection of materials and finishes was crucial in achieving a bright and welcoming atmosphere. A light color palette dominated by white, complemented by birch wood in its natural state, enhances luminosity and warmth. Black elements, such as carpentry and fixtures, provide an aesthetic contrast, adding character without overwhelming the spaces.
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Two different lighting systems were installed. Indirect or ambient lighting, positioned above the wooden box and on the shelves, creates a soft and inviting atmosphere, perfect for evenings. In contrast, direct or task lighting, provided by hanging lamps and recessed spotlights in the furniture, highlights specific areas, allowing for functional and flexible use of the space. This combination of light sources enhances the ambiance and showcases the architectural details.
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Different flooring materials were used, and their transitions occur in unexpected ways, creating visual dynamism and helping to define the day areas versus the night areas.
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Distribution and Rest Areas
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The north-facing orientation, which receives less direct sunlight, has been designated for the rest areas, providing tranquility. This section includes the bedrooms for the children, which feature a flexible layout: large sliding doors can unite the two rooms, creating a shared space for play or allowing for privacy as needed. Additionally, the master suite boasts a full bathroom, ensuring comfort and privacy for the adults.
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The areas with limited natural light are used for passageways and wet areas, such as the entrance, hall, storage, and bathrooms. However, the use of wood and light tones keeps these spaces inviting.
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Energy and Acoustic Efficiency Improvement
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This project focuses on significant enhancements to the energy and acoustic performance of the apartment. A comprehensive renovation has been completed, which includes the replacement of the exterior carpentry with options that are more thermally and acoustically efficient. Additionally, insulation has been incorporated into all exterior walls. For air conditioning, a hot-and-cold air system has been installed, with discreet ductwork running above the central box and along the bedroom corridor. The supply grilles are concealed to maintain a clean visual aesthetic without disrupting the interior design. Overall, this extensive renovation achieves a balance between functionality, design, and sustainability, catering to the daily needs of the owners while creating a warm and modern atmosphere. Attention to detail in every aspect of the project—ranging from distribution to lighting and finishes—results in a harmonious and inviting space, perfect for family enjoyment.
