Building and facade renovation
Asturias, Gijón
Is your building showing its age — damp problems, poor insulation, a deteriorating facade? Renovation is the answer. And not just to restore the building’s appearance, but to improve the quality of life for its occupants, reduce energy consumption and protect an asset that deserves to last.
At AGHO Arquitectura, we approach building and facade renovation in Asturias with the same rigour and care as any new-build project. Because doing it well requires both technical expertise and architectural sensitivity.
What do we mean by building renovation?
Renovation goes far beyond a cosmetic refresh. It encompasses the full range of interventions aimed at recovering, improving or adapting an existing building: from upgrading the building envelope and facades to structural consolidation, accessibility improvements, regulatory compliance and the modernisation of building systems.
In Asturias, most of the existing building stock is old. Many buildings constructed in the 1960s, 70s and 80s suffer today from poor insulation, damp and deterioration that directly affect the quality of life of their occupants and the value of the property. Acting sooner rather than later is always the smartest decision — both technically and financially.
Facade interventions: efficiency and aesthetics in equal measure
The facade is the skin of the building. It is the first thing you see, but it is also what most influences thermal performance and interior comfort. A deteriorated or poorly insulated facade can account for energy losses of up to 30% of the building’s total consumption.
At AGHO Arquitectura, we work with the main facade renovation systems, tailoring the solution to each building’s specific characteristics:
- ETICS (External Thermal Insulation Composite System): the most widely used solution for improving energy efficiency without losing interior floor area.
- Ventilated facade: a highly durable cladding system with an air cavity that regulates temperature and protects the structure.
- Internal insulation lining: when external intervention is not feasible, we improve insulation from the inside.
- Repair and restoration of damaged elements: cornices, mouldings, deteriorated renders and damp-affected surfaces.
Communal entrance upgrades, accessibility and lift installation
One of the areas where the passage of time is most visible in residential buildings is the communal entrance and shared spaces. Dark, poorly maintained, often without a lift or with one that has long since become obsolete. These are interventions that directly improve the quality of life of all residents while also adding value to the building as a whole.
At AGHO Arquitectura, we approach the refurbishment of communal entrances and shared spaces comprehensively: updating finishes, improving natural and artificial lighting, renewing the electrical installation and ensuring compliance with current accessibility regulations. We design these spaces with the same care as the rest of the building, because first impressions matter.
Installing a lift in a building that doesn’t have one is one of the most frequently requested interventions and also one of the most technically and administratively complex. It requires a detailed prior assessment of the existing structure, the definition of the most appropriate solution for the building — internal or external shaft, with or without a pit — and the management of permits and available public grants. In Asturias, there are specific subsidies for accessibility improvements in residential buildings, and at AGHO we advise you on how to make the most of them.
Accessibility is not just a regulatory obligation: it is a matter of respect for everyone who lives in or visits a building. We design solutions that remove barriers without compromising the architectural quality of the whole.
Heritage building renovation
We have extensive experience in the renovation of buildings with historical or heritage value, both in Asturias and internationally. Our time in France — where we spent four years as lead project architect for the transformation of the Loubet Building in Saint-Étienne — gave us a broad understanding of how to intervene in the built heritage with respect, rigour and creativity.
We work in close collaboration with the relevant authorities to ensure regulatory compliance and architectural coherence in every intervention.
Grants and subsidies for renovation in Asturias
There are currently significant public funding programmes available for building energy renovation: Next Generation EU funds, the PREE 5000 programme and grant schemes run by the Principality of Asturias, among others. At AGHO Arquitectura, we advise you on the available grants and manage all the necessary documentation to apply for them.
How we work
Listen and assess
We meet with you, evaluate the current condition of the building and identify the real needs.
Technical proposal:
We present well-grounded solutions with a clear, transparent budget.
Technical project and permits
We prepare all project documentation and handle all administrative procedures.
Construction supervision
We coordinate the teams and oversee execution through to handover.
Frequently asked questions about building renovation in Asturias
How much does facade renovation cost in Asturias?
The cost varies considerably depending on the system chosen, the current condition of the facade and the surface area involved. To give you an accurate figure for your specific situation, the best approach is to tell us about the building and carry out an initial assessment together.
Do I need a permit to renovate the facade of my building?
It depends on the type of intervention and the municipality. Works affecting the building envelope typically require a building permit, and for listed buildings or protected settings a prior report from the heritage authority may be required. At AGHO Arquitectura we handle all administrative procedures so you don’t have to worry about the paperwork.
Can I apply for grants to renovate my building?
Yes. There are currently several public funding programmes available in Asturias: Next Generation EU funds channelled through the PREE programme and its variants, as well as the Principality’s own grant schemes. Conditions and amounts change periodically, so we recommend getting in touch so we can assess which programmes your project could qualify for.
How long does a facade renovation take?
A facade renovation on a mid-sized residential building typically takes between two and four months, depending on the construction system, weather conditions and the complexity of the intervention. During the project phase, we provide a detailed programme so you can coordinate with the residents’ association in advance.
Can you renovate a building while residents are still living there?
In most cases, yes. Facade and envelope works are carried out from the outside, so disruption to residents is generally minimal. We plan the works to keep disturbance to a minimum and keep the residents’ association informed throughout.