The flat is located in the popular fishing district of El Cabanyal in Valencia. The architects from the Paloma Bau studio wanted to reflect the spirit of the region in their design. The Mediterranean manifests itself here above all in the décor and the choice of colours and materials, which are reminiscent of walks on sandy beaches to the sound of the waves. In addition, the character of this unique historic house was emphasised through its skilful and comprehensive renovation, which pays respect to the architectural heritage of the town.
Design studio Paloma Bau carried out the renovation of Casa Ona, a 1925 residence located in a historic building in Valencia’s coastal El Cabanyal district. The facade of the house, decorated with beautiful turquoise tiles, reflects the unique character of the local architecture. The owner, a young sea and surfing enthusiast who grew up in this popular fishing district, decided to breathe new life into his grandparents’ house, transforming it into a modern and functional property while retaining the Mediterranean spirit.
The architects at Paloma Bau approached this renovation project with respect. They created new spaces that pay true homage to the Mediterranean, characterised by textures and finishes that evoke the sea and beaches. The house, originally dark and not very spacious, was stripped of unnecessary partitions and surfaces, revealing a structure of wooden beams and a load-bearing brick wall.
A continuous sand floor connects all corners of the house, evoking the vast beaches of Bologna in Cadiz. The living area is centred around a large green island, made of textured tiles and a turquoise worktop, reminiscent of the movement of seawater. The kitchen, in neutral tones and oak wood, opens onto the living room, connecting the two spaces.
The Mediterranean is also reflected in the colour palette used. Brown and grey tones, together with a deep and bright blue hue in the bathroom, evoke the Costa Brava and the open sea. A selection of furniture has been designed in a Mediterranean style, such as wooden and corded dining chairs and a micro-cement coffee table, complemented by linen and cotton textiles.
The living area features a clever permeable wall of lacquered wooden slats, behind which is a surfboard storage area and a small bathroom inspired by Cala Rotja in Menorca. The private area of the house, consisting of an office and a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom and dressing room, is characterised by an old brick bearing wall, whose original openings connect the dressing room to the bedroom and bathroom.
The decorative lighting, made up of elements designed by artisan Adriana Cabello, includes different granulations of clay in the same tones, with a textured or glazed finish depending on their location, reinforcing the decorative and ornamental details of the décor.
The facade has been restored with an emphasis on respect for the architectural heritage. The Paloma Bau team restored its original aesthetics through the use of wooden joinery and traditional alicante louvres – distinctive elements of the houses in El Cabanyal, thus preserving the identity and character of the building.
Source: Paloma Bau
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