URUGUAY 11 APARTMENT
THE RENOVATION OF THIS HISTORIC BUILDING CARRIED OUT BY DESARROLLA OBRAS Y SERVICIOS HAS MODERNISED THE ENTIRE PROPERTY WHILE SUCCESSFULLY PRESERVING ITS IDENTITY. SEAGULL REAL ESTATE IS THE DEVELOPER OF THE PROJECT
Honoring the essence of the past without losing sight of the future. This has been the roadmap that Desarrolla Obras y Servicios has followed to carry out the refurbishment of the centenary building located at number 11 Uruguay Street, in Vigo. The centrally located property, built 90 years ago, has undergone a comprehensive rehabilitation.A renovation that has preserved its original essence while fully embracing the modernization of the entire architectural complex, both inside and out. Taking on the restoration of a building almost a century old was, without a doubt, a true challenge for the teams at Desarrolla Obras y Servicios.And not only because of the scale of the project itself, but also because of its historical value. The building at Uruguay 11 is a work by Jenaro de la Fuente, one of the most prominent architects of his time, whose legacy in Vigo is now beyond question.Originally, the property had nine floors: two allocated to garages and seven to residential apartments. But one of the first actions in the renovation led by Seagull Real Estate was the excavation of a third basement level with concrete retaining walls.The floors house apartments with one, two, three and even four bedrooms. They are designed to meet every possible need of future residents, ranging from 90 to 160 square metres. At the penthouse level lies a hidden gem: a 200-square-metre residence with a spectacular 100-square-metre terrace facing the estuary.
The new exterior image of the building at Uruguay 11
The rehabilitation project designed by architect Rodrigo Portanet was carried out with great care to preserve the building’s visual identity. This attention to detail is evident on the façade, whose original appearance has been fully respected. The outer leaf is built in ashlar stonework and the inner leaf in brick masonry. Between them, there is an insulated air cavity. At the same time, the wooden shutters have been redesigned in keeping with the aesthetics and materials of the past.The galleries on the rear façade are one of the property’s most distinctive features. In the past, their original woodwork was replaced with aluminium. Now, the original design and timber have been reinstated.All added elements, such as electrical and telephone cabling, have been removed and rerouted underground. And, to further refine the exterior appearance, existing signage has been taken down.The wrought-iron balcony railings, another hallmark of the building, have been primed and painted in white and grey, the predominant colours in this part of the city. The exterior joinery has also been replaced. The new elements are made from solid laminated timber, treated with a breathable white finish similar to the one that existed previously. Finally, Desarrolla proceeded to install a new zinc roof, so characteristic of the “olive” city.The renovation of this historic building included the repair, cleaning, and priming of its granite stone walls. Cracks were also repaired and specific treatments were applied to restore the damaged elements. To consolidate these walls, the joints were repointed.The façade cleaning, aimed at resolving issues caused by damp and pollution, was carried out manually. To ensure the process was non-invasive, no abrasive blasting was used. Once again, with the intention of highlighting the building’s history, the patinas resulting from the natural ageing of the stone were preserved.
The comprehensive interior renovation
As for the interior, the building located at number 11 Uruguay Street will welcome its visitors and tenants completely transformed. The walls and floor of the entrance hall are clad in marble, magnificently reflecting its elegant past. However, to avoid a sense of coldness, the wooden staircase has been preserved, with its steps restored to bring a touch of warmth to the entire property.In the same way, the landings still retain their original wooden doors. The stained-glass windows and the elevator grille, clear evidence of the building’s history, have also been preserved. This care for the past contrasts with the modernization of the communal areas, which are now equipped, for example, with an intelligent lighting system based on motion sensors.The interior design work in the homes is another hallmark of the project. The presence of fine woods and exquisite porcelain tiles in both kitchens and bathrooms reinforces the character of each apartment. All of them are also fitted with pieces selected ad hoc for each room: heated mirrors in the bathrooms, state-of-the-art appliances in the kitchens…
A RENOVATION WORTHY OF A BUILDING THAT EMBODIES HISTORY
Light is one of the main features of this new chapter in the building’s life. The large windows in the apartments allow it to flow freely, illuminating every corner. With residents’ wellbeing in mind, the renovation of the historic building has included the installation of special glazing that protects from the sun’s rays on days when it is particularly intense.In an effort to preserve the property’s original identity, the separation between the homes has been maintained. The partition walls are built with semi-solid brick, lined on both sides with plasterboard and supported by a galvanized steel substructure.The internal layout of each home has been created using self-supporting partitions, with a structure of sheet steel profiles. And to increase sound insulation two laminated panels have been installed, with rigid rock wool placed between them.Number 11 Uruguay Street was already part of Vigo’s history. Following the arrival of Desarrolla Obras y Servicios, the building has been brought into the present and now looks to the future with optimism.Being able to work on projects with such a strong personality is a true privilege for all our teams. That is why we would like to thank the project’s developers for the trust they have placed in us.Discover our work at www.desarrolla.esVisit us at the headquarters of the construction company in Vigo.
