OUR STORY

We dreamed of creating a minimalist space for independent travelers.

We are a couple with a background in marketing and interior design.

Since 2010, we have been involved in developing design and restoration projects in Europe. FIXIE LOFTS is our latest endeavor.

As a Venezuelan Spanish couple, we are very aware of rich miscegenation created by the Spanish heritage in Hispanoamérica.

How did the FIXIE story begin?

During our visit to Santo Domingo's historic district in 2017, we realized a transformation taking place. From an old, disregarded area to a charming and tranquil district.

We have witnessed a similar transformation in places like Panama or Cartagena, to provide some nearby examples.

Months were spent searching for the right building that would enable us to create the space for independent travelers we envisioned.

Yet this one townhouse had a treasure in the backyard: ancient arches and walls. From our experience, we understood the magic and value, despite the ruined state. The rammed earth walls, 30 inches wide, were impressive.

Of course, this meant we had to restore the building from the ground-up.

«They took a historic building… and transformed it into a retreat» 

FORBES

Can you tell us about the history of the building?

During the revamp, something was revealed: the archway and walls belonged to San Nicolás de Bari, the first hospital built in the Americas from 1503 to 1508, and declared a UNESCO Heritage Site.

The hospital, built upon a Renaissance pattern, worked for 400 years, which is remarkable. It was sacked by Drake in 1586 and has been financially supported by the Spanish Crown since then. Decadence began in the late 1800s due to earthquakes and other circumstances. It was partly demolished in 1911.

Can you elaborate on the sustainable design approach?

"The greenest building is one that already exists" (Carl Elefante). We made the choice to restore instead of demolish and build anew. Restoration is the most environmentally friendly approach to architecture.

"The greenest building is one that already exists"

Given that the house lacked floors and solid roofs, our challenge was to preserve the original walls while creating comfortable and modern spaces.

In line with vernacular Caribbean architecture, we utilized natural air circulation and sunlight. The expansive inner courtyard functions as a cooling garden retreat, following the Spanish tradition.

«…we decided to maximize the common areas, to create the oasis we’re looking for»

While exploring the Zona Colonial, we noticed hotels in Santo Domingo with poorly ventilated and dimly lit rooms. Instead of adding more rooms, we made the choice to build fewer rooms and dedicate the extra space to a pool and gardens.

The walls were re-plastered using lime mortar instead of cement to retain the natural thermal and acoustic properties of the raw earth.

We approached the restoration with a discreet "less is more" mindset, allowing the building's simplicity to speak for itself. This design philosophy aligns with our interest in zen meditation.

Luis Barragan's clutter-free emotional architecture served as inspiration for the project. Growing up surrounded by thick earthy walls and churchyards, he incorporated elements of silence and water into his works, resulting in a unique blend of contemporary and monastic aesthetics.

Thanks to this slow travel approach, certain press features set FIXIE apart from most Santo Domingo hotels, and from resorts in Dominican Republic.