Transformation of a century-old house into a multi-family building

Vista interior de la segunda planta reformada en Badalona, con un diseño elegante y funcional.

Success story: complete renovation of a house in Badalona in a building with three flats.

At ICA-Grupo, we faced the challenge of carrying out a comprehensive renovation of a century-old house in the heart of the historic centre of Badalona in a multi-family building consisting of three dwellings. The main difficulty lay in the small size of the plot, with a considerable built-up depth but a narrow façade.

Comprehensive structural reinforcement and new openings:

To achieve this transformation, we carried out a comprehensive structural reinforcement of the entire property. We carried out various shoring works to create the necessary space for the new communal staircase and executed compression layers with connectors in the wooden joist floor slabs. In addition, we made large openings in the rear façade to guarantee the entry of light into the new dwellings.

Use of the basement:

One of the highlights of this project was the conversion of the basement, which had been disused for decades. The vaulted basement was connected via a staircase to the new living quarters on the same floor, creating a completely open-plan and versatile space that could be adapted to a variety of needs.

Before and after: a major transformation:

In the images below, you can see the remarkable transformation of this century-old house into a modern multi-family building. In this section you can see the contrast between the original state of the building and its current appearance, demonstrating the positive impact of our intervention.

Estado inicial de las arcadas bajo en Badalona, mostrando una necesidad crítica de renovación y restauración. Las arcadas bajo en Badalona después de la reforma, destacando la restauración y modernización por ICA-Grupo.
Estado inicial de las arcadas bajo en Badalona, mostrando una necesidad crítica de renovación y restauración.
Vista previa a la reforma de la fachada en Badalona, a cargo de ICA-Grupo. Fachada renovada en Badalona, resultado de la reforma integral realizada por ICA-Grupo.
Vista previa a la reforma de la fachada en Badalona, a cargo de ICA-Grupo.
Aspecto inicial de las escaleras antes de la reforma integral por ICA-Grupo. Escaleras renovadas tras la reforma en Badalona por ICA-Grupo.
Aspecto inicial de las escaleras antes de la reforma integral por ICA-Grupo.
Perspectiva superior de las escaleras antes de la intervención de ICA-Grupo en Badalona. "Vista superior de las escaleras renovadas en Badalona, gracias a ICA-Grupo.
Perspectiva superior de las escaleras antes de la intervención de ICA-Grupo en Badalona.
Estado previo del comedor cocina antes de la reforma por ICA-Grupo. Comedor cocina renovado en Badalona por la reforma de ICA-Grupo.
Estado previo del comedor cocina antes de la reforma por ICA-Grupo.
Estado previo a la reforma de la tercera planta en Badalona por ICA-Grupo, necesitado de modernización. Renovación completa de la tercera planta en Badalona realizada por ICA-Grupo, destacando modernidad y funcionalidad.
Estado previo a la reforma de la tercera planta en Badalona por ICA-Grupo, necesitado de modernización.
Estado inicial del patio trasero en Badalona antes de la transformación por ICA-Grupo. Vista del patio trasero tras la reforma en Badalona, mostrando un espacio abierto y acogedor.
Estado inicial del patio trasero en Badalona antes de la transformación por ICA-Grupo.
Vista previa de la primera planta en Badalona, antes de la reforma por ICA-Grupo. Interior de la primera planta en Badalona, transformado en un espacio moderno y luminoso por ICA-Grupo.
Vista previa de la primera planta en Badalona, antes de la reforma por ICA-Grupo.
Estado previo de la fachada del patio en Badalona, antes de la renovación por ICA-Grupo. La fachada del patio tras la reforma en Badalona, convertida en un espacio acogedor por ICA-Grupo.
Estado previo de la fachada del patio en Badalona, antes de la renovación por ICA-Grupo.
Vista de la fachada trasera en Badalona antes de la intervención por ICA-Grupo, necesitada de actualización. La fachada trasera en Badalona después de la reforma por ICA-Grupo, mostrando una mejora significativa en diseño y funcionalidad.
Vista de la fachada trasera en Badalona antes de la intervención por ICA-Grupo, necesitada de actualización.
Aspecto original de la planta baja en Badalona, mostrando el potencial de transformación antes de la reforma por ICA-Grupo. Vista general de la planta baja en Badalona tras la reforma por ICA-Grupo, evidenciando un espacio completamente revitalizado.
Aspecto original de la planta baja en Badalona, mostrando el potencial de transformación antes de la reforma por ICA-Grupo.
Estado previo de la bóveda en la planta baja en Badalona, antes de su restauración por ICA-Grupo. Renovación de la bóveda en la planta baja tras la reforma en Badalona por ICA-Grupo, mostrando detalles arquitectónicos mejorados.
Estado previo de la bóveda en la planta baja en Badalona, antes de su restauración por ICA-Grupo.

BIM modelling for accurate planning:

The use of modelling BIM was essential to this project. Thanks to this technology, we were able to visualise and plan every aspect of the building in three dimensions. This allowed us to optimise the space and ensure that every detail met the client's functional needs.

The results:

In the images below, we present a series of photographs showing in detail some of the features and finishes of the project. Each element was carefully designed and executed to create a high quality and comfortable residential environment.

This project is a testament to our expertise in transforming spaces and revitalising historic buildings. We are proud to have helped our client turn their vision into a tangible reality. At ICA-Grupo, we remain committed to excellence in the design and construction of projects that leave a lasting impression.

If you would like to find out more about this project or explore how we can help you with your engineering needs and architecture, please do not hesitate to contact with us.

Barcelona Stock Exchange

Rótulo distintivo en la entrada de la Bolsa de Barcelona, renovado por ICA-Grupo.

Transformation of the Ground Floor of the Barcelona Stock Exchange Building

Project description:

At ICA-GRUPO, we have had the opportunity to transform several of the floors of the emblematic building of the Barcelona Stock Exchange. The intervention carried out on the ground floor has been the most significant and the one that has added the most value to the whole.

Challenges:

  • Transforming the area formerly used for investors' parquet flooring into a multi-purpose space and equipping it with the latest audiovisual technology.
  • Improve the acoustic comfort of the space and adapt it to the new functional requirements.
  • Facilitate the organisation of corporate events and access control for employees and guests.

Solutions:

  • We developed a meticulous interior design project, respecting and enhancing the most important and original aspects of the building.
  • We selected cladding that would combine aesthetics, acoustic functionality and sustainability.
  • In addition, by installing glazed railings around the perimeter of the central atrium and the complete renovation of the upper skylight, we achieved a completely updated vision and conception of the original space.
  • Installation of centralised access control system

Conclusion:

The refurbishment of the ground floor of the Barcelona Stock Exchange building by ICA-Grupo represents an important step forward for the perfect balance between respecting the building's history and adapting to modernity. This project highlights our ability to transform spaces with an innovative approach to design and functionality, ensuring that each element contributes to the unique character of the building. At ICA-Grupo, we are committed to projects that not only meet the expectations of our clients, they also leave a lasting mark on the city's architectural heritage.

Major rehabilitation and change of use

Proceso de preparación de pilares en la rehabilitación del Condis Maragall, Barcelona, por ICA-Grupo.

Success story: major refurbishment and change of use in Barcelona

At ICA-Grupo, we are proud to present a project which illustrates our commitment to excellence in engineering and architecture in Barcelona. In collaboration with our client Condis, we carried out the major refurbishment and change of use of a multiplex cinema in the central area of Maragall, Barcelona.

The challenge of transformation:

The main challenge we faced in this commission was the transformation of a multiplex cinema into a new commercial establishment on the ground floor, with a linked car park in the basement. The premises were located underneath an 8-storey residential building, which required a precise structural intervention at all stages of the project..

Precision in structural intervention:

The realisation of this project involved a comprehensive interior gutting and demolition of the former cinemas, with a focus on minimising vibration and disturbance to the occupants of the upper floors. We prioritised manual over mechanical methods to achieve this.

The construction of new internal floors and foundations was carried out with micro-piling, guaranteeing a solid and safe base. In addition, structural shoring was carried out on one of the main walls of the building, which represented a key moment in the construction process.

Successful outcome:

The project was successfully completed, completely transforming the space of the former cinemas into a modern commercial establishment with underground car park, adding significant value to the surroundings of Maragall, Barcelona.

Your partner in engineering and architecture projects in Barcelona:

At ICA-Group, we offer engineering and architectural solutions throughout Barcelona. If you are planning similar projects or want to explore creative solutions, don't hesitate to contact us. Our highly experienced team is ready to take your ideas to the next level.

Comprehensive refurbishment of historic building

El resultado final del exterior del Supermercado Condis en Vilassar de Mar refleja la excelencia en diseño y ejecución de ICA-Grupo.

Comprehensive renovation of historic building with heritage protection

At ICA-Grupo, we are proud to present a comprehensive refurbishment project that highlights our commitment to excellence in engineering and architecture throughout Spain. We collaborated with Condis Supermercados in the transformation of the Can Ribot warehouse, located in Vilassar de Dalt, into a commercial establishment of great historical and heritage value.

A heritage challenge:

Our client's assignment consisted of carrying out the complete refurbishment of the Can Ribot warehouse, a former textile factory, located in Vilassar de Dalt. This building was included in the city's Special Plan for the Protection of Architectural Heritage. It was in a precarious state of conservation, with multiple constructive and structural pathologies due to decades of abandonment.

Rehabilitation and restoration:

Our team of experts met this challenge with determination. Structural reinforcements were carried out on the original roof and a complete rehabilitation of the façades and roof. The restoration was meticulous, preserving the historic essence of the building.

Comprehensive redevelopment:

In addition, due to the alignment of the road, a complete redevelopment of the estate's surroundings was carried out, maintaining part of the landscaped area. This transformation not only respected the heritage protection but also improved the accessibility and attractiveness of the outdoor space.

Results:

The Can Ribot refurbishment project was successfully completed, converting the former textile factory into a unique commercial establishment. This comprehensive refurbishment not only preserved the architectural heritage but also revitalised a historic corner of Vilassar de Dalt.

Your partner for engineering and architectural projects:

At ICA-Group, we offer engineering and architectural solutions throughout Spain. If you are planning similar projects or want to explore creative solutions, don't hesitate to contact us. Our highly experienced team is ready to take your ideas to the next level.

Complete refurbishment of a house in Eixample Dret in Barcelona

Cocina-comedor después de la reforma integral en Eixample Dret, Barcelona con vistas al patio.

The architectural studio of ICA-Group has finalised the integral reform of a house in Barcelona. The flat is located in the Eixample Dret neighbourhood of Barcelona, in a centenary building, specifically dating back to the year 1900. It is located in a small building, consisting only of a ground floor and 5 flats (one per floor).

In its original state, the building had the typical configuration of a house of the time in this type of property, with many partitions and partition walls that gave rise to small rooms and where the circulation and the relationship between the different spaces lacked fluidity and practicality.

One of the most valuable pieces in this particular flat is the large rear terrace. Originally the terrace communicated with the house through a small opening and was totally underused due to the presence of skylights at different levels that occupied a large part of the space and prevented the placement of any type of furniture.

One of the first objectives and challenges when starting this integral reform project was to achieve a home in which the different spaces, especially those in the day area, could have a direct interrelation both visually and functionally, including also the back terrace with a natural continuity with the interior space.

Project

Comparativa de planos antes y después de la reforma integral en Eixample Dret por ICA-Grupo.

In order to unify the living room, kitchen and dining room in a single room, it was necessary to demolish several partition walls and to carry out a shoring up of the building's load-bearing structure.

With regard to the opening of the dwelling onto the terrace, the rear façade was partially modified by adding a large metal frame that made it possible to fully integrate the exterior space into the interior and vice versa. A raised platform was also installed over the entire surface of the terrace to eliminate the existing unevenness caused by the skylights, thus achieving a single level that made it possible to make the most of the terrace in its entire extension.

With regard to the interior finishes, the interesting and valuable elements and walls of the original construction were recovered, such as: the soffit of the forging made up of wooden joists and the ceramic beams in the living area; the handmade masonry and stone walls in the living room and master bedroom; and the historic hydraulic flooring recovered and reinstalled in the new kitchen area.

A natural maple wood cladding was also installed that runs along and integrates the different access doors to the rooms and acts as a connecting thread from the entrance hall to the living area. This also allows us to integrate and conceal all the technological and sound installations. Therefore, this single cladding element visually connects the different spaces and enhances the original recovered walls, creating a warm, calm, spacious atmosphere without visual obstacles.

Result

The final result of this house renovation project has far exceeded expectations. The project was very demanding, complex and required a high level of creativity. The property currently has a wonderful layout that allows the day and night areas to be clearly differentiated. The high quality finishes added to the original elements recovered and the interior design project applied bring sobriety and elegance to the building. The recovery of the outdoor space and the integration of the various spaces of the day area into a single environment have provided the house with great spaciousness, luminosity and functionality. The result obtained from the sum of all this is a unique, special property, with character, warm, functional and with a modern and minimalist design.