Architecture studio Balzar arquitectos was commissioned to reform a single-family home in an old building of modernist architecture in the city of Valencia. They seek to create architecture that unites the classic with the contemporary to project a fusion of styles in the residence.

The historic building, built in 1928, marks a starting point in what is going to be projected later, old elements are maintained to create a contrast with the new, which values both the existing and the new layer of contemporaneity added, generating a magical, sensual and suggestive space.
Balzar arquitectos proposes an intervention of daydreams and encounters of light with the materials, to dialogue between the memory of the place and the new intervention, organizing the program on two floors, the lower floor is mainly intended for public and work spaces. On the upper floor are the rest areas, the most private areas, complemented by a large terrace that includes a pool.

The materiality of intervention uses natural materials to give the house a sharp, clear vision that allows it to be filled with life. Furniture with calm shapes and light tones that provides a sensitive point of view and contrasts with the historical architecture is maintained in the spaces.


Dwelling 1928 by Balzar arquitectos. Photograph by David Zarzoso.

Dwelling 1928 by Balzar arquitectos. Photograph by David Zarzoso.
 

Project description by Balzar arquitectos

The 1928 property in Valencia is located in a historical building that forms part of the city’s modernist architecture. Its main façade is structured into parallel vertical axes which line up with the elongated proportions of the window openings, and draw out the classic balustrades of the balconies and their rounded archways.

What existed already has incalculable value, and has been the starting point of the renovation project for the 1928 property. We have delved into the past, although not to faithfully recreate it, just to reinterpret it. A synergy has been created between the classic and the contemporary, conjuring up a magical combination. A juxtaposition of eras and a contrast in styles hugely complements the endeavor. A dialogue that speaks of respect and the passing of time. The owners living there are sensitive lovers of art and design, which has undoubtedly added a great deal to the renovation.


Dwelling 1928 by Balzar arquitectos. Photograph by David Zarzoso.

In short, the historic architecture, the contemporary intervention of fine lines and curves, and art, all come together in this project that is remarkably sensitive. The furnishings also play a fundamental role in how the spaces work. Serene, pared-back, and elegant pieces render the atmosphere with light tones and natural materials to create spaces that are full of virtue and vitality.

The 1928 property is divided up into two levels, connected by a lofty curved staircase. The ground floor is more public and contains a large multi-purpose space for work. The first floor is more secluded, with an extensive terrace with a swimming pool, where the owners spend a great deal of their time.

Lighting has been carefully thought-out to bestow the spaces with an intimate, warm, and even at times dramatic nature. Materials have been chosen for their natural, light, and cream-coloured tones with items of furniture in darker hues.

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Architects
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Collaborators
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Interior design.- Soraya Pla.
Furniture.- Viccarbe.
Lighting.- Vibia, Arkoslight.
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Area
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Living area.- 500 m².
Terrace area.- 60,00 m².
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Dates
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Project year.- 2022.
Construction year.- 2022.
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Location
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Valencia, Spain.
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Photography
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Balzar ArquitectosJosé María’s career began more than 30 years ago in Orihuela. He always tells the story of how, after school, his son Txema would go with him to work and do his homework in the studio, surrounded by drawings and blueprints and architecture books. Txema decided at the age 6 that he would pursue a career in architecture.

In 1995, José María and his family moved to Valencia where he continued his career as General Director of Architectureand Homes in the Valencian Community. For 8 years, he coordinated large investments in the public sector, in architecture and urbanism, until he founded his own architect firm G-Zarco Estudio.

Meanwhile, Laura, who was born in Quesa, a mountain town in inland Valencia, grew up in a privileged naturalenvironment. Surrounded by artisanship, thatched ceilings, courtyards, fireplaces, esparto grass utensils and olive harvests with family. This contact with tradition made her value the authentic, the everyday, the simplicity of life. Laurawanted to apply this “natural” view to architecture.

She met Txema while studying architecture. Since then, they have shared their lives and their work (if it is possible to distinguish between the two).

For years, they developed projects under two different firms: G-Zarco Estudio and Dot Partners, but with a strong collaboration between both.

In 2018, they decided to form Balzar Arquitectos. Because, looking at themselves, their environment and their way of seeing life and seeing work (if it is possible to distinguish between the two), it was the most natural union. With the experience of José María and the energy of Laura and Txema, they have created a new studio capable of taking on projects of different scales and complexities.

Architecture based on simplicity. Creating simple forms so that the light and materials find their maximum expression in the spaces. A simplicity that reflect authenticity and sincerity, without the need for embellishments in order to express itself.

A work that is supported by the past, by tradition, to reinvent its principles and look towards the future.
 

“After years in this profession, we can say that the foundation of our work is the search for beauty, starting from the design of the blueprints themselves all the way to the last detail of construction. A beauty that combines within itself the other necessary factors when creating architecture: economy, function, durability, integration with the surroundings, regulations, respect for the environment, etc.

A beauty that provides an important service to society, giving people a more pleasant world to live in and contributing to their happiness.”

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Published on: May 27, 2023
Cite: "Contrast between the historical and contemporary. Dwelling 1928 by Balzar arquitectos" METALOCUS. Accessed
<http://www.metalocus.es/en/news/contrast-between-historical-and-contemporary-dwelling-1928-balzar-arquitectos> ISSN 1139-6415
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