Tivoli Building restores the original building through the recovery and preservation of its latent historical and architectural qualities. The intervention provides the necessary perspective to emphasize the value of these unique characteristics, revitalizing both the building and the surrounding urban area.
© David Frutos
The architectural solution for the whole is conceived as an integral and continuous intervention resolved in two differentiated and complementary layers.
© David Frutos
By restoration of the original materials, the surface treatment of the historic facade takes on the palette of textures and colours of the urban landscape of the city. Thus, the environmental materials (tabaire stone, brick, stucco, zinc) enhance the prioritized reading of the facade.
© David Frutos
A volume with a new floor plan and a distinctive presence is executed on top of the existing construction, which establishes an apt dialogue between the historical legacy and the current reality.
© David Frutos
The new volume studies the intrinsic conditions of the existing building, adopting as its own the same ceiling heights, the proportion of the openings in the facade, the relation of volumes and hollows and the stark structural axes. In this way, the upper part adapts to these conditions with a sinuous configuration, contrasting the geometric rigour and military order of this historical building that overlooks the Naval Arsenal of the city.
© David Frutos
The contrast between the two levels of the project is further emphasized by the blue ceramic modular elements that make up the ventilated facade of the new apartments, generating a continuous and recognizable image. In addition, the setbacks, respecting the historical facade, are destined for terraces and pools that complement the apartments on the exterior.
© David Frutos
On the inside, the distribution of the apartments adapts to the original configuration of hollows, producing different types, depending on the capacities and qualities of each apartment.
© David Frutos
The corridors and common interior areas are generated from the contrast with the existing building. The curved lines together with a blue ceramic finish flowing throughout the whole building, give these spaces a feeling of homogeneity and fluidity in the same way as on the outside.
© David Frutos
Altogether, the Tivoli building is presented to the city as a piece capable of activating the environment thanks to a controlled and respectful, as well as contemporary and distinguishable performance. An action that, maintaining the intrinsic value of a building of the early 20th century, gives it a new and optimized program and presence.
Project Info
Architects: Martin Lejarraga Oficina de Arquitectura
Area: 3871 m²
Year: 2018
Country: Cartagena, Spain
Photographs: David Frutos
Manufacturers: JUNG, Atlas Schindler, Cortizo, Gresancu, Ikea, Tempio
Promoter: Saratoga Properties S.L.
Sophie Tremblay is a Montreal-based architectural editor and designer with a focus on sustainable urban development. A McGill University architecture graduate, she began her career in adaptive reuse, blending modern design with historical structures. As a Project Editor at Arch2O, she curates stories that connect traditional practice with forward-thinking design. Her writing highlights architecture's role in community engagement and social impact. Sophie has contributed to Canadian Architect and continues to collaborate with local studios on community-driven projects throughout Quebec, maintaining a hands-on approach that informs both her design sensibility and editorial perspective.