A renovation that respects the past and makes the most of every square meter

For years, this building in the historic center of Palamós stood closed, for sale, and in a state of ruin. It was one of those unassuming corners found in old towns, seemingly destined for oblivion. Yet, beneath the dust and decay, it still retained traces of a once vibrant life. When the future owners discovered it, even before deciding to purchase, they asked architect Judit Falgueras to take a preliminary look, an honest assessment to help determine if this damaged structure could be transformed into a meaningful housing project.

The answer didn't come in the form of a grandiose promise, but rather architectural intuition. Despite its deterioration, the ground floor held a powerful structure and a clear history. There was a modestly sized dwelling, just over 50 square meters, and next to it, a storage space that, judging by the items found there—nets, buoys, shelving—had been linked to the area's fishing activity. This past was reflected not only in the building itself, but also in the place: Palamós and its relationship with the sea. It had the potential to be not only a viable project, but also, and above all, an interesting one.

The comprehensive renovation of the building by the Judit Falgueras Arquitectura studio has resulted in four apartments, but it is on the ground floor where the project truly shines. There, without grand gestures or artifice, the architectural intervention has transformed the existing space into two apartments—one of 51 square meters, which retains the original layout, and a new apartment of only 38 square meters in the former storage area—demonstrating the extent to which spatial quality depends less on square footage than on the choices made.

One of the successes has been precisely maintaining the layout of the first apartment almost intact, respecting the sequence of spaces and enhancing their continuity. In the former storage area, on the other hand, the new layout is inserted between the existing archways, taking advantage of their height to create a second apartment that is compact yet spacious. The high ceilings, the successive arches, and the absence of unnecessary partitions—yet with enough ingenuity to separate the bedroom and bathroom from the central living-dining-kitchen area—allow the spaces to breathe, despite their compact dimensions.

In both apartments, the intervention stems from a clear idea: to preserve everything of value. The hydraulic tile floors, handmade brick arches, vaults, and original textures have not only been preserved but have become the core of the project, like living elements capable of engaging with a contemporary way of living. Likewise, the renovation addresses some of the major challenges typically faced by ground-floor apartments in historic city centers. Walls have been repaired, persistent dampness eliminated, and cross-ventilation improved. Blocked openings have been restored, and natural light has been allowed back in, completely transforming the perception of the interiors. The bathrooms, now located within the apartments, free up facades and allow the main rooms to connect with the street.

The result is two homes that don't hide their past but rather incorporate it naturally. The memory of fishing is present in the arcades, in their proportions, in the robust and honest atmosphere of the ground floor. This renovation demonstrates that, even in badly deteriorated buildings, the key is knowing how to look. Understanding what is worth preserving, how to make the most of every square meter, and how to use light, height, and continuity to transform small spaces into places where you truly want to live. In Palamós, this ground floor has gone from being a neglected space to a home once again.