Ciutat Vella Renovations
Homes with history and details worth preserving. At Obrescat we carry out full renovations in Ciutat Vella taking care of narrow street logistics, entrance hall protection and respect for original elements: Catalan vaults, hydraulic tiles, period joinery and load-bearing walls. A single project manager keeps you informed every week.
Book a free visit- Historic quarter logistics
- Entrance hall and stairway protection
- Respect for original elements
- Works plan with milestones
Renovation company in Ciutat Vella: what we do and how
Survey and condition assessment
Full survey, review of timber beams, vaults and walls. Damp detection and diagnosis of old installations.
Proyecto & permisos
Layout proposal, technical reports and plans. Processing of minor/major works licence and, if applicable, heritage report.
Lightweight structure
Localised reinforcement, replacement of damaged joists, redistribution with dry partitions to avoid overloading the floor.
New installations
Zoned electrics, multilayer plumbing, soundproofed drainage and quiet air conditioning adapted to the existing building envelope.
Kitchens and bathrooms
Functional designs for small spaces, flush showers, bespoke furniture and concealed taps.
Joinery and lighting
Restoration of balcony doors, double glazing where feasible and warm light fittings with discreet cove lighting.
Finishes with character
Recovery/cleaning of Catalan vault, original hydraulic tiles or new flooring that harmonises with the building.
Handover and quality control
Room-by-room checklist, operation tests and post-works review for fine adjustments.
Projects in Ciutat Vella and surrounding areas
Methodology in Ciutat Vella: order, respect and realistic timescales
1. Study and plan
We measure, analyse structure and envelope. We define phases, milestones and a realistic schedule.
2. Licencias & comunidad
Permit processing and communication with the concierge for deliveries/schedules. Removal route defined.
3. Protection
Entrance hall and stairway encapsulation, double protection and clear signage. Clean site = happy neighbours.
4. Demolitions and reinforcement
Controlled demolitions, targeted joist reinforcement and lightweight partitioning for redistribution.
5. Instalaciones & acabados
New installations, bathrooms/kitchen, recovery of original elements and new finishes.
6. Handover and review
Operation tests, snagging list and post-works review for adjustments.
Case in Ciutat Vella: period flat with vault and hydraulic tiles
Starting point
70 m² with a long corridor, tired timber beams in one bay and an interior kitchen with no light. Goal: gain space, recover character and update installations.
Layout
We opened the kitchen to the living area with a lightweight island, main bedroom on the façade, versatile second bedroom and compact bathroom with flush shower. Dry partitions to avoid overloading.
Original elements
Cleaning and stripping of Catalan vault in the living area, recovery of hydraulic tile sections and restored joinery with draught strips and double glazing where feasible.
Hidden installations
Zoned electrics by room, multilayer plumbing, soundproofed drainage and air conditioning with quiet units and discreet grilles.
Finishes and lighting
Glued oak parquet, breathable mineral paints and warm light fittings with cove lighting in key areas. Matte lacquered kitchen and sintered stone worktop.
Completion
Handover with checklist, basic user manual and post-works review. The home gains space, comfort and keeps its soul.
Materials and details
Renovations in Ciutat Vella? We come to measure, study your case and deliver a clear works plan.
Frequently asked questions
Licences and community
What licence does a renovation in Ciutat Vella usually need?
Usually a minor works licence with technical report and plans; if there is structural or façade impact, a major works licence and, where applicable, a heritage report.
How do you manage coexistence with the building?
Entrance hall and stairway protection, defined removal route, agreed schedules and direct communication with the concierge.
Structure and installations
Can timber beams be reinforced?
Yes, with localised reinforcement coordinated with an engineer. We prioritise lightweight solutions.
What about downpipes and ventilation?
We check communal downpipes and design soundproofed drainage; quiet ventilation and air conditioning adapted to the building envelope.
Finishes and timescales
Can original elements be recovered?
Whenever their condition allows. We integrate hydraulic tiles, vaults or joinery with durability criteria.
How long does a full renovation take?
It depends on floor area, condition and permits. We work in phases with a realistic schedule and weekly reports.