abeja
san juan, puerto ricoarchitectural design, gut renovation, interior design
this historic retrofit and renovation in old san juan, puerto rico marked R.A. Somerby’s first venture beyond the continental U.S. and into the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage site, navigating the challenges of working remotely, post-hurricane recovery, and strict preservation regulations. the 300-year-old Spanish Colonial structure, long neglected and further devastated by fire, required a meticulous restoration that balanced the historical integrity of the space with modern livability. a fourth floor was added to accommodate a rooftop pool, while a new elevator increased accessibility. the top two floors were reimagined as a duplex for the owners. throughout, the design honors its puerto rican roots, incorporating local artwork and traditional materials to celebrate the cultural richness of old san juan.
