In the vibrant Arrancapins district of Valencia, Spain, local practice DG Arquitecto has transformed a traditional apartment into a bold, chromatic refuge for a family of former digital nomads. Titled Casa Chanchs, the interior renovation is defined by a conceptual “virtual horizon” that physically and visually connects the family’s global history with their new permanent roots in Spain.
The architectural project was driven by the clients’ desire to ground a decade of travel within a space that celebrates both contemporary design and historical preservation. “This project speaks of horizons, roots, and emotional landscapes,” explained the studio. The layout is organized around a central communal core, where a bespoke storage volume finished in an electric Klein blue serves as the primary anchor for the open-plan kitchen, dining, and living areas.
To bridge the gap between old and new, the architects established a horizontal datum line throughout the home. Above this line, the original ceiling mouldings have been meticulously preserved and painted in a deep petrol blue, creating a sophisticated dialogue with the saturated colors of the new interventions below. This “thick” horizon also functions as a functional ledge, providing a dedicated space for the family to display a collection of “treasured objects” gathered from across the world.
The material palette was selected to provide a tactile, grounded contrast to the home’s vibrant spirit. Natural oak flooring runs throughout the rooms, offering warmth underfoot, while the kitchen features white Macael marble worktops with delicate bluish veins that echo the dominant color theme. In the bathrooms, the studio departed from the blue motif, opting for vibrant yellow and green tiles to complete a triad of primary colors that define the home’s lower half.
Beyond the social spaces, a long, minimalist white cupboard stretches along the corridor to maximize storage without compromising the sense of space. In the bedrooms, the atmosphere becomes more “relaxed and timeless.” Here, the contrast between the ornate historical heritage of the ceilings and the clean lines of the modern joinery creates a serene environment that prioritizes rest and simplicity.
By treating the apartment as a series of “relished sunsets,” DG Arquitecto has created a home that feels like a living archive. The integral reform successfully balances the irony and playfulness of its owners with a rigorous architectural language. Casa Chanchs is not just a residence but a curated landscape where the memory of a nomadic life is perfectly integrated into the permanent fabric of Valencia.