Secret Magic Pool Garden

In collaboration with Sotirios Kotoulas, Sotirioscorp

Nestled within the ruins of a 19th-century commercial building, adjacent to a former public market, celebrated artist Katherine Bernhardt’s second home seamlessly blends history with contemporary design. The existing thick masonry walls, characteristic of Old San Juan, enclose a lush 1,600-square-foot property that nature and the homeless had reclaimed over time.

Honoring the site’s past while introducing modern functionality, the design carefully restores the original masonry walls and integrates a new exposed reinforced concrete structure. A narrow garden runs alongside, framing the historic wall as a visual screen to the home and creating a striking contrast between old and new. The surrounding greenery extends upward, culminating in a rooftop pool and terrace that brings the landscape into the living space.

The residence features an open-concept living and kitchen area, two bedrooms, bathrooms, a swimming pool, and a sundeck. A discreet gap between the upper level and the roof deck conceals mechanical and electrical utilities, preserving the home’s clean, minimalist aesthetic. The ground floor flows seamlessly into the garden, while the upper-level bedrooms feature smaller openings, echoing the character of the surrounding architecture.

Designed in collaboration with architect Sotirios Kotoulas, the home reflects Bernhardt’s love for Puerto Rico—its vibrant colors, palm trees, reggaeton beats, and even local favorites like mayoketchup and tostones. More than just a residence, this project revitalizes a forgotten corner of Old San Juan, transforming it into a cultural hub within the city’s thriving art community.