arrokabe arquitectos fits light-framed staircase to home renovation in spain

arrokabe arquitectos fits light-framed staircase to home renovation in spain
all images © luis díaz díaz

‘casa do medio’- a single family home in santiago de compostela, spain underwent a renovated by arrokabe arquitectos. the plot is sited in between two traditional buildings. throughout the design process, the architects worked with and adjusted to the existing volume of the building, opting for the bearing walls being kept, and the rest of the structure reconstructed in a wood.

an enlarged and new staircase connects all three storeys together

a distinctive design feature of the residence is the addition of a new staircase that runs all the way up the building. the higher it climbs, the structure gradually becomes suspended and lighter- in relation to the different programs occupying each floor. by enlarging the staircase, natural light is maximized to reach all levels within the building. the interior follows a more contemporary aesthetic; the combination of light and refined materials have been utilized throughout, with old exposed stone detailing subtly revealed at points.

as the staircase travels up, the structure becomes light and finally suspended

the plot is sited in between two traditional buildings. an open addition has been attached to one of the lateral walls of the stone-paved inner courtyard to serve as a covered outdoor space, gallery and terrace. demonstrating the blending between old and new, existing granite pillars have been reused and the roof cover reconstructed based on the original structure.

the walls and ceilings have been wrapped in a continuous wooden paneling- producing a seamless finish

a metallic, brass rail and banister has been used for the staircase

the existing structural bearing walls have been kept, and the rest of the structure reconstructed in wood

a consistent light material palette has been used throughout

exposed stone walls breaks up the clean and smooth finishes

part of the addition has been clad in a metallic golden metal- complementing interior details

an intimate stone-paved courtyard is found at the rear of the property

the house is located in the city of santiago de compostela