balzar arquitectos pairs 19th-century modernist interiors with wabi-sabi materiality in valencia apartment renovation

the restoration of the 1890 residence balances original nolla mosaics, wrought iron, and plaster moldings with lime wash, travertine, and curated contemporary furnishings.

Studio edited by christina vergopoulou November 9, 2026 3 min

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BALZAR ARQUITECTOS RESTORES 1890S RESIDENCE IN HISTORIC VALENCIA

Located in the historic center of Valencia, Spain, Ciutat Vella Apartment is an interior renovation by Balzar Arquitectos set within an 1890 residential building. Sited in an urban context characterized by layered historical traces, the project approaches preservation not as a static museum display, but as an active framework for contemporary domestic life. Original architectural elements, including geometric Nolla mosaic tile floors, wrought ironwork, decorative ceiling moldings, solid timber doors, and surviving polychrome wall fragments, were retained and restored to guide the layout and spatial rhythm.

balzar arquitectos pairs 19th-century modernist interiors with wabi-sabi materiality in valencia apartment renovation - 1 — all images ©David Zarzoso

RESTORED MOSAICS AND LIME PLASTER ANCHOR WABI-SABI MATERIALITY

Guided by a wabi-sabi philosophy prioritizing material patina and natural imperfection, the intervention by Balzar Architectural Studio introduces a restrained palette of lime plaster, unfilled travertine, solid wood, linen, and wool. Surface textures take precedence over color, complemented by diffused daylight filtering through historic apertures. The interior blends vintage pieces sourced from Nekonato Gallery with artworks from CLC Arte, custom site-specific joinery by Balzar Arquitectos, and contemporary furnishings, including seating by New Works and luminaires by Venicem, establishing a balanced conversation between 19th-century craft and modern minimalism.

balzar arquitectos pairs 19th-century modernist interiors with wabi-sabi materiality in valencia apartment renovation - 2 — Ciutat Vella Apartment is a restored 1890 residence in Valencia, Spain, designed by Balzar Arquitectos

balzar arquitectos pairs 19th-century modernist interiors with wabi-sabi materiality in valencia apartment renovation - 3 — intricate geometric Nolla mosaic tile floors form the primary decorative foundation across the living spaces

balzar-arquitectos-valencia-renovation-ciutat-vella-apartment-designboom-1800-3 — architectural detail showing the interface between ornamental ceiling moldings and newly applied lime wash

balzar arquitectos pairs 19th-century modernist interiors with wabi-sabi materiality in valencia apartment renovation - 4 — the renovation balances 19th-century architectural heritage with contemporary residential ergonomics

balzar arquitectos pairs 19th-century modernist interiors with wabi-sabi materiality in valencia apartment renovation - 5 — smooth lime plaster walls provide a soft, matte backdrop that diffuses daylight through the interior

balzar arquitectos pairs 19th-century modernist interiors with wabi-sabi materiality in valencia apartment renovation - 6 — original carved timber double doors and transoms have been restored to preserve historical threshold alignments

balzar-arquitectos-valencia-renovation-ciutat-vella-apartment-designboom-1800-2 — architectural detail showing the connection of marble and timber floorings between two living spaces

project info:

name: Ciutat Vella Apartment
architect: Balzar Arquitectos | @balzararquitectos
location: Valencia, Spain

photographer: David Zarzoso | @david_zarzoso

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