This apartment is located on the top floor of a 1815 Neoclassical style building in the old quarter of Bilbao. In spite of its fairly small surface, 65 ㎡, it was heavily compartmentalized before the renovation work was started. Its most enticing features were a charming 20 ㎡ terrace and the possibilities offered by the unused space between the false ceiling and the house roof.
The reform project sought to articulate the day zone around a central open space by eliminating the false ceiling and exposing the beam structure of the roof. This space comprises the kitchen, living and dining room, directly connected with the terrace, as well as a bathroom, dressing room and a small laundry room. Mikel Larrinaga designed a 20 ㎡ mezzanine, conceived as a glass case holding a sleeping room and bathroom. This structure rests on four wooden pillars, which the designer reinforced with iron angles. The old perimeter walls and ceilings were insulated in order to provide the house with increased acoustic and thermal comfort.
As a unifying element, white surfaces act as a neutral background for the owner’s art collections. Floors are massive oak throughout, except for the porcelain tiles in the main bathroom. For the vertical faces in both bathrooms, Mikel Larrinaga opted for washable vinyl wallpaper.
For decoration, the interior designer masterfully combines industrial and vintage items with antiques.
The result is a two-floor loft with terrace, a true oasis in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the Bilbao old quarter.
