jsj arquitectos revives century-old stone walls to create luminous modern home in spain 

jsj arquitectos revives century old spanish house

A fusion of old and new, JSJ Arquitectos’ Casa A&M preserves the essence of a century-old traditional Spanish construction to create a modern home. Located in Puzol, Valencia, the project involves the restoration and revitalization of the existing house’s withering structure, infusing it with spaciousness and natural light, and embracing energy efficiency features. The renovation began with the integration of a new volume and the removal of mortar to expose the existing masonry and brick walls, glimpses of which are visible throughout the external patio and interior. Additionally, the entire roof was disassembled to install insulation below the existing tiles and reinforce the wooden framework in slabs, ensuring enhanced energy efficiency and structural integrity.

JSJ Arquitectos unveils Casa A&M | all images by German Cabo

a modern extension infuses light and space

At first the clients, a young couple, contemplated demolishing their dilapidated house and starting anew. However, upon visiting the site, the team at JSJ Arquitectos recognized the architectural potential and historic value within the structure’s worn walls, and sought to preserve as much of the existing structure as possible. Built with masonry and brick walls and wooden beams, the original house possessed a traditional layout comprising numerous rooms devoid of natural light. Over the years, the house had suffered significant deterioration, particularly in the wooden elements affected by humidity and insects.

To achieve this, a new volume was inserted amid the interior facade, which protected the existing structure while revealing the traditional masonry previously concealed beneath layers of mortar. Spatial continuity was also enhanced with the introduction of double-height openings which horizontally and vertically linked the three floors together.

the original mansory walls have been revived, and a barbecue space is tucked behind the white wall

the access hall preserves the original wooden door

the double-height extension grants a full view of original mansory and brick wall

the renovation infuses the home with light and space

JSJ Arquitectos unveiled the brick arch after removing mortar from the walls of the original building

the staircase winds to allow natural light from the skylights reach the ground floor

the roof was dismantled completely, and the structure was repaired

project info:

name: Casa A&M
architecture: JSJ Arquitectos

construction: RTA Grupo
location: Puzol, Valencia, Spain

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom