![Principe's Box House / u+a arquitectura - Windows, Stairs, Beam, Handrail](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/50f4/7410/b3fc/4b26/2a00/004b/newsletter/ua_rp_16_47090.jpg?1413937487)
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Architects: u+a arquitectura
- Area: 53 m²
- Year: 2012
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Photographs:Héctor Santos-Díez
![Principe's Box House / u+a arquitectura - Sink, Bathroom, Countertop](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/50f4/7418/b3fc/4b26/2a00/004d/medium_jpg/ua_rp_20_47114.jpg?1413937500)
Text description provided by the architects. This project involved the rehabilitation of a 53 sqm apartment for a young couple. The apartment, located in the top floor of a building of 1910, was originally divided into five rooms, besides a very reduced kitchen, a bathroom and a storage space under cover with a maximum height of 1.50 m.
![](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/50f4/758c/b3fc/4b26/2a00/0050/newsletter/section.jpg?1413937503)
A new space, which is completely different, appears. It was there, waiting to be discovered. Its conservation becomes the goal and inspiration of the project.
![Principe's Box House / u+a arquitectura - Table, Wood, Lighting, Beam, Chair, Countertop](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/50f4/73e1/b3fc/4b26/2a00/0046/newsletter/ua_rp_04_47018_19.jpg?1413937489)
To improve the habitability and spaciousness the interior was emptied. Interior divisions were eliminated, as well as the ceiling which covered the original wooden triangle beams.
![Principe's Box House / u+a arquitectura - Lighting, Countertop, Beam, Chair](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/50f4/73ec/b3fc/4b26/2a00/0047/newsletter/ua_rp_04_47023.jpg?1413937491)
In order to do so, it is decided to concentrate the more technical uses in a simple and light structure. Around it, the rest of spaces flow being, at the same time, visually isolated.
![Principe's Box House / u+a arquitectura - Sink, Bathroom](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/50f4/7416/b3fc/4b26/2a00/004c/newsletter/ua_rp_21_47109.jpg?1413937497)
To materialize this idea a wooden box holds the kitchen front, WC, laundry, sinks area, shower and a small closet. This wooden piece was conceived as a piece of furniture. It was built in maple wood as a tribute to the owner’s love for Spanish guitars, usually made of this material.
![Principe's Box House / u+a arquitectura - Countertop, Sink, Lighting, Beam](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/50f4/7400/b3fc/4b26/2a00/0049/newsletter/ua_rp_11_47074.jpg?1413937495)
As this was a rehabilitation work it was considered important to maintain a reference to the past, discovering what already existed placing it in a new context of time but keeping its essence and history.
![Principe's Box House / u+a arquitectura - Sink, Bathroom, Windows, Beam](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/50f4/741c/b3fc/4b26/2a00/004e/newsletter/ua_rp_23_47098.jpg?1413937501)
Existing elements and constructive systems were recovered: lightweight interior partitioning, shutters, entrance door, wooden structure, new pine flooring planks. All the partitions were assembled by a carpenter. There is no tiling. The shower was installed using phenolic panels which were grooved to avoid slipping.
![](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/50f4/758c/b3fc/4b26/2a00/004f/newsletter/plan.jpg?1413937507)