Iterare Arquitectos Builds New House Inside Preserved Brick Shell in Valencia's Torrefiel

In Valencia's Torrefiel district, Iterare Arquitectos has completed Casa Nido, a house built inside a preserved brick-and-lime mortar shell. The studio chose not to demolish the existing structure, despite local building codes permitting it. The name "Casa Nido" (Nested House) reflects the design: a new volume raised within the original envelope. The zigzag brick parapet was intentionally left uneven. The interior is organized around a courtyard, described as a "regular and perfect void at the back of the plot." A near-seven-meter window along the courtyard pulls light and ventilation into every room. A single stair core in limestone connects the two levels. On the first floor, an open-plan room with a skylight serves as living space and study. The project argues that heritage preservation applies to modest structures in peripheral neighborhoods, not only landmarks. The house is located in Torrefiel, one of Valencia's poorest northern districts, and is set for completion in 2026. Key materials include solid brick, lime mortar, and limestone.