Rehabilitation of Old Houses and Historic Dwellings in Barcelona

Rehabilitation and Renovation of Old Houses

We transform residential projects by merging historical elements with contemporary innovation

We take care of the entire rehabilitation process for your old house

Restoration of heritage elements

Restoration of original woodwork and doors

Management of licenses required for the rehabilitation

Furniture restoration

Construction management

Close collaboration with contractors specialized in heritage rehabilitation

What is our process for the rehabilitation of old or historic houses?

We carry out a comprehensive process that begins with an initial interview to understand your needs and define the overall concept of the project. We assess the characteristics of the property, develop the design with detailed proposals, and assist you with financial management, procedures, and licenses. Finally, we oversee the construction to ensure quality execution, compliance with regulations, and an optimal outcome.

Why Nomadas Architecture

We combine nearly a decade of international experience with in-depth knowledge of the Spanish sector, providing seamless communication in English with international clients. Each project is handled with a personalized approach, managing all phases through an integrated process with a trusted team of professionals. Our designs stand out for their added value, creativity, and attention to detail, preserving original elements whenever possible to bring character and uniqueness to the space.

Marta Catalán, your architect in Barcelona

Marta is a Phd. Architect by the University of Hong Kong. Previously, she studied in Madrid and Japan where she obtained her Masters.

Marta began her career co-founding the architectural collective Zira02. She has developed her architecture practice in Spain, Hong Kong and Japan. She has worked and collaborated with several architecture firms including Andres Jaque Office for Political Innovation, Abe Hitoshi Atelier and Izaskun Chinchilla Architects. Her projects have been awarded with the Europan, IDOM and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Design for Innovation prizes.

Laia Martínez Sitjà, your architect in Barcelona

Architect graduated from UPC BarcelonaTech, where she obtained her Master’s Degree in Architecture, and from the “Ion Mincu” University of Architecture and Urbanism in Bucharest. She has developed her education and professional practice in an international context, working across Spain, China, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom.

Laia has built her professional career in renowned architecture studios such as Neri&Hu Design and Research Office and Bean Buro, contributing to architecture and interior design projects in sectors including residential, office, hospitality, and retail spaces. She currently practices as an architect in Barcelona, focusing her work on architectural design, refurbishment, and interior design projects.

Some of Our Historical Dwellings Rehabilitation Projects

BADALONA

This former printing workshop has been transformed into a bright industrial loft. Original brick walls and wooden windows are preserved, while a new patio and sculptural staircase bring light and contemporary character to the space.

Badalona

2025

SANTS

This former glassblowing workshop was transformed into a bright, contemporary home while preserving its industrial character. Original wooden beams, exposed brick walls, and hydraulic tiles were restored and reused, and the Catalan vaulted ceiling retains traces of historic paint. The open layout maximizes natural light and seamlessly connects interior and exterior spaces, blending contemporary design with the charm of historic craftsmanship.

Badalona

2024

GARDEN FLAT

Interior renovation of a historic apartment in central Barcelona, combining the recovery of 19th-century original elements with a contemporary industrial style. The project enhances natural light and the connection to an interior garden, integrating recycled materials and design solutions that balance functionality with historical character.

Ciutat Vella, Barcelona

2024

What Our Clients Say

Nomadas Architecture place picture
4.9
Based on 18 reviews
Olivia Everal profile picture
Olivia Everal
3 months ago
ES: It was a real pleasure working with them: fast, communicative, and reasonably priced. I'm so grateful to have found Nómadas early in my search! ----- EN: Absolutely wonderful to work with, fast, communicative, and reasonably priced. Very grateful to have found Nómadas early in my search!
Having Marta and Laia on board has given us so much peace of mind and security. They are truly outstanding professionals. They are undoubtedly my go-to architects in the province of Barcelona. Thank you so much!
Marta guided me from the initial search to obtaining the occupancy permit for my apartment, including the complete renovation that transformed a combined commercial and residential space into the home I now happily call home. The project involved a construction company, the architects' association, the homeowners' association, and much more. In Marta, I found not only competence and creativity, but also the adaptability and tenacity that such ventures demand. I can only recommend her and wish her the success she undoubtedly deserves.
Teresa Estelles profile picture
Teresa Estelles
6 months ago
Impeccable! They're a 10!
Adrià Blanc profile picture
Adrià Blanc
6 months ago
After two projects with Nomadas Arquitecture, I can confidently say they are an excellent partner for architectural and renovation projects, both residential and industrial. A professional and dedicated team. I highly recommend them!
Christine Parat profile picture
Christine Parat
8 months ago
It was such a pleasure working with Marta and Mar. From the very beginning, we felt supported, heard, and confidently guided through the process. They are professional, up to date with the latest design concepts, and truly lovely to work with. We look forward to collaborating with them again and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.
Thomas L profile picture
Thomas L
9 months ago
We did a full renovation project with Nomadas. What we really liked: - The creative proposition during the drawing phase - The proposition for the plan and room proposition - The good vibe of the team - The fact they can speak English and French They also took over the entire documentation process, and this is a big relief in such a project. We knew everything was in order, and we didn't have to fight with the administration, especially when documents are not in our native language. Finally, the constructor they proposed was flexible, creative, and listened to our needs and was very friendly. A few points of improvement could be to have a 3D rendering of the validated plan to help the customer to picture the final render.
Marta accompanied me on all my viewings for a potential apartment until I found the perfect one. Marta is very professional and has extensive market knowledge, which allowed me to get quick and clear answers to my questions.
Basanta K. Rai profile picture
Basanta K. Rai
2 years ago
Excelent work done with the limited budget destined to our small project of renovation. Immense source of ideas she has. Very professional architect and very much recomendable to get your ideas to be tranformed into reality. Thank you Marta and Nomadas Architecture.
Marc Mercade profile picture
Marc Mercade
2 years ago
Marta helped me renovating my apartment in Barcelona and she is professional and full of nice ideas.
Nick O'Brien profile picture
Nick O'Brien
2 years ago
Marta was the architect and project manager on our bajo redevelopment. Her work was incredibly thorough and her management exceeded our expectations. Would recommend!!
Zainab Hess profile picture
Zainab Hess
2 years ago
We had the pleasure of working with Marta Catalan on our home renovation project between 2022 and 2024 in the old town of Barcelona,and we cannot recommend her highly enough. Marta made the impossible possible, transforming a disastrous property into a spectacular home. Throughout the design and building process,Marta led us with the utmost professionalism. She communicated every aspect that an owner wants to get addressed and was always on site when needed, coordinating with builders,carpenters, electricians,tilers,plumbers,locksmiths and other professionals.Her detailed knowledge of all these disciplines,combined with her excellent taste and style,guided us in choosing the right materials and furniture. Marta 's expertise extends beyond design and construction,she is also highly skilled in handling the necessary paperwork to obtain legal permissions,even in the most challenging situations. Her dedication went as far as searching archives and documents dating back more than a century to assist us with specific restorations and problems. There is no better architect in Barcelona,and perhaps not in all of spain,working with such enthusiasm and commitment to her clients. Marta Catalan is simply outstanding. Folke Hess & Zaza Hess June 19 ,2024 Carrer Nou de sant Francesc, Barcelona, España

Frequently asked questions

Renovation involves partial or comprehensive interventions in an existing building, primarily aimed at improving aesthetics, functionality, or spatial layout, without necessarily addressing structural pathologies. Rehabilitation, on the other hand, entails a comprehensive intervention in a building—typically old or heritage-protected—that addresses structural, constructive, or functional damage and incorporates compliance with current regulations on safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency.

The duration of the rehabilitation process for an old house varies and depends mainly on the property’s state of conservation, its level of heritage protection, and the scope of the intervention.The renovation can vary depending on several factors, such as the speed of decision-making, the type of permit required and its processing time, as well as the size and scope of the project. Although every renovation is different, the professionals we work with usually have near-immediate availability, which helps streamline the process once everything is defined and approved.

We typically handle the full management of all required permits and licenses, including applications for major or minor building permits, heritage reports for listed buildings, and coordination with the City Council and relevant authorities, as well as the preparation of the technical project and administrative follow-up until the licenses are obtained.

During rehabilitation, we prioritize the preservation of original structural elements such as load-bearing walls and traditional floor systems, as well as façades and their exterior composition, carpentry, moldings and ornamental features, original flooring, and other distinctive elements such as staircases and patios.

We mainly work in Barcelona and its metropolitan area.

Let’s talk about your project