A home that holds stories in Guatemala

In a setting rich with history and beauty, in the heart of Antigua Guatemala — a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979 — a residence takes shape from the ruins of a centuries-old property. Designed by Elemento, it harmoniously blends the old and the new in a Spanish colonial style with Tuscan and Moorish influences.

A layering of stories

During the renovation work, a hidden stone arch dating back to the 17th century was uncovered. It is believed to have once served as the entrance to the stables of a convent that formerly stood on the property. Around this remarkable discovery, the narrative structure of the project was built, guided by a design vision focused on preserving the historical value of the residence while seamlessly integrating the comforts of modern living.

The construction is the result of a layering of stories, of which the arch tells only the beginning: on the ground floor, some of the stone walls date back to around the mid-1600s; the carved wooden beams in the living area come from an old Antigua hotel from the 1930s; and the second floor of the house was added only in 1994 by a former owner. Today, the space is ready to be lived in by a couple with eight children and their respective families.

Enhancing the old without giving up contemporary comfort

The goal of honoring the home’s cultural heritage was expressed through a series of design choices aimed at enhancing the existing context. Original materials stand out: the restored terracotta flooring, the dark wood ceiling beams, and the natural stone walls. The new interventions, by contrast, were introduced with discretion: white and beige stucco, gray porcelain stoneware, and wood flooring lend the space a neutral tone that highlights and frames the old. Subtle touches of color—olive green and light blue—recall natural hues, echoing the water of the pool and the patches of greenery outside.

Adapting the residence to modern living needs posed a significant challenge for the designers, who were tasked with finding clever solutions to integrate electrical and plumbing systems while respecting the presence of ancient, untouchable walls. The result is a functional and elegant home of over 300 square meters, designed to accommodate a large number of people: four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a kitchen, a family room, a dining room, and a living area make up the interior; outside, a 49-square-meter covered terrace, a swimming pool, and a spa area nestled beneath the existing ruins complete the residence.

A place rich with stories

An idea of community and a deep respect for the place guided the project through every phase, involving several local artisans and artists. Many of the furnishings—designed with a large family in mind—were custom-made, such as the bunk beds and the twelve-seat round table.

The uncovered arch frames a work by a local artist, who describes it as “a tribute to the vibrant essence of Antigua Guatemala: its people, its energy, its soul.” It is a wooden door painted with a multitude of stylized human figures, whose explosion of color contrasts with the home’s otherwise subdued palette, revealing the symbolic heart of the project: surrounded by ancient stone, it encapsulates the eras and stories that the residence is meant to preserve.

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