The SFA house is a refurbishment project that is faithful to the client’s specific requirements. Arqmov Workshop initially suggested a brand new project, given the previous (quite unfortunate) refurbishment work on the property. Photography by Rafael Gamo

However, the nostalgia of its owner led the firm to reconsider adapting his childhood home to suit his new family – with a wife and three children. Given more than 30 years since the construction of the house, the decision was made to strip its original structure bare, to use the house’s spatial potential and to take advantage of its location opposite to a golf course. The dividing floor of the residence was demolished to create a large double height volume with large windows to the rear and interior facade to the garden and the swimming pool. Due to the importance placed on light intake in this project, a void was opened on the wall supporting the stairs towards the bar area through which a shaft of light pierces the space.

The entertainment area of the scheme – a lounge with a fireplace and large walls with beige stone slab veneers, ring-shaped pendant lamps by Henge and a red-coloured carpet – is crowned by a bar area framed by wooden panels and with wooden floors. In contrast, the dining room is a small room on a more compact – rather cosy – scale, that can be seen as a recess in which to display art pieces and a designer sideboard with a Pietra Serena stone top. Wooden panels on the wall serve to conceal the doors to the kitchen and toilet. The family room is also double height and is framed by custom-made concertina-like wooden panels that create a presence in the space towards the entrance, the transition to the garden and the rest of the entertaining areas. Once again there are wood, light fittings and upholstery in warm shades.

The private areas comprise three bedrooms, one for each child, fitted out to the personal taste and preferred colours of each. Wood features throughout the project. The original master bedroom gains another 150sqm and includes a sleeping area, work desk, reading corner, a seating area and a coffee table. The use of walnut joinery and natural stone is complemented by upholstery in neutral shades. Perimetral and ceiling light are kept separate. The main bathroom and dressing room feature large areas of Italian arabescato marble. The distribution allows for two symmetrical bathrooms opposite each other, joined by a steam shower, and two identical dressing tables.

The main facade was also redesigned. The different volumes were integrated through lines which continue from one volume to the other. The integration of squared arches, large openings and feature panels create a bold connection between the old and new houses, including the garden boasting a large eating area by an open grill with a fire pit and the swimming pool.

Furnishings, light fittings and art selection were personalised according to each space and, when applicable, each user.