Undertaking a modernist renovation in Barcelona means accepting the responsibility of protecting the artistic legacy of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The classic buildings of the Eixample district house architectural treasures like the Catalan vault (volta catalana), ceilings over three meters high with ornate plaster moldings, and delicate Nolla mosaic flooring. At Nosolo Design, as a specialized building contractor, we approach these projects with utmost material respect and engineering precision.
1. Artisanal Restoration of Nolla and Hydraulic Mosaic
The flooring is one of the crowning achievements of modernist architecture. In this project, the original mosaic suffered from loose tiles, cracks, and accumulated layers of old wax and varnish. The restoration process began with a meticulous manual cleaning using soft brushes and distilled water to assess the actual state of each individual tessera.
Damaged or missing pieces were replaced with faithful ceramic reproductions of Nolla tiles, bound with an ultra-fine professional hydraulic lime mortar to prevent joint lines. Afterward, a technical polish using progressive diamond grit disks restored the original color vibrancy, followed by an invisible water- and oil-repellent sealer that protects the pores of the clay from future stains while keeping its characteristic matte finish.
2. Consolidation of High Ceilings and Plaster Moldings
Ornamented modernist plaster ceilings often show signs of deterioration caused by old moisture leaks or structural settlement. For their conservation, we injected acrylic consolidation resins into loose plaster sections that were detaching from the underlying wooden joists.
The missing sections of the plaster cornices were reconstructed using custom silicone molds cast in situ from the well-preserved areas. Master plasterers cast the replacement elements in our workshop and installed them with fine gypsum plaster, creating seamless transitions. To highlight their intricate details, we designed an indirect LED lighting system concealed within perimetral drywall drop ceilings, giving the impression that the original plaster ceiling floats.
"Renovating a historic apartment in the Eixample means dialogue with the master craftsmen of the past. The technical secret is to make contemporary comfort completely invisible."
3. Exposing the Original Catalan Vault
In the main hallway and kitchen area, we decided to reveal the original ceiling structure composed of iron joists and curved clay tiles, known as the Catalan vault. After removing the degraded wood-and-reed false ceilings, we cleaned the brick surface with low-pressure silica sandblasting to strip away layers of paint and plaster accumulated over decades.
The steel joists were treated against corrosion through deep mechanical wire brushing and the application of an anti-corrosive primer, finished with graphite gray matte polyurethane paint. The exposed clay vaults were consolidated with a water-based siloxane sealer, maintaining the breathability of the clay while giving it a subtle satin effect that enhances the natural warmth of the terracotta.
4. Technical Integration of Climatization and Acoustic Insulation
The main challenge of comprehensive renovations in Barcelona's historic quarters is integrating modern services without affecting heritage elements. For the climate control, we implemented an invisible aerothermal heat pump system, combining underfloor heating in areas with new flooring and concealed ducted air conditioning in rooms with smooth plasterboard false ceilings.
The acoustic insulation was reinforced by installing independent wall framing on shared party walls with neighbors, lined with high-density rock wool and double-board acoustic drywall, significantly dampening the urban air noise typical of downtown Barcelona.
Conclusion: Commitment to Construction Detail
Executing an apartment renovation in the Eixample requires a multidisciplinary team coordinated under strict technical management. Respecting heritage does not conflict with technical modernity; rather, it elevates it. At Nosolo Design, we guarantee that every detail of custom carpentry, floor joist restoration, and mechanical and electrical engineering complies with the highest standards of luxury residential construction.