located within the spanish province of alicante, in the town of orihuela, balzar arquitectos has completed the renovation of an apartment dating back to the 1960s. the residence can be found on the top floor of a rationalist-style building and boasts stunning views over the treetops of the park below. in the distance are the callosa and orihuela mountain ranges.
all images © david zarzoso
the apartment contains three bedrooms and a large living-dining area with an open kitchen. the bedrooms are located to the back of the house while the dwelling’s main reception area takes up the whole of the front façade overlooking the park. this latter space feels large and elongated, which is further accentuated by an impressive feature running along its length serving as a kitchen island and doubling up as a dining table.
the transformation of the apartment centers on two ingredients balzar arquitectos believes to be essential to good design: time and a great team. on the one hand, the architects had time on their side. the time needed for solutions to be tailored and well-researched. the time to enjoy the process and bring the construction together perfectly.
on the other hand, they realized that architecture is a joint effort. a great number of people were involved along the way from the initial design stages to final delivery, from the clients who have the dream and need to conceive the project, to those who clean up the site at the end to leave it spotless. ‘this has been one of those times when the talent and professionalism of everyone involved has made our work as architects simply the thread that strings the pearls together.’ – balzar arquitectos.
project info:
project name: apartment in orihuela (alicante)
location: orihuela, alicante, spain
architect: balzar arquitectos
project manager: fran arenas, aserkon
project year: 2019
construction year: 2019 – 2020
built area: 130 m2
photography: david zarzoso
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edited by: lynne myers | designboom
