mome.estudio's zen housing units repurpose residential building on madrid's outskirts

Zooco Estudio, a design firm based in Madrid and Bilbao, undertook a comprehensive renovation of a semi-detached residence located in northwest Madrid. The primary objective was to foster a sense of openness and visual connectivity across the various sections of the house. This goal presented a considerable challenge, given the home's modest size of just over 1,600 square feet, distributed across four narrow floors, including a basement, for a family of three. To address this, the architects devised a central element: a versatile bookshelf that extends through multiple spaces and floors. This all-white shelving unit, visible upon entering the home, adapts its function according to its location and dimensions. At the entrance, it serves as a wardrobe for coats and shoes. In the TV area, it is designed for music storage, and in the dining room, it acts as a display unit for tableware. The bookshelf functions as both a storage solution and a subtle physical divider, maintaining visual continuity between areas such as the entry and dining room. On the main entry level, the shelving system is specifically configured with horizontal components to accommodate jackets and shoes. In the living room on the same floor, the shelves wrap around the walls, extending upwards to the floor above, thereby creating a double-height space that enhances the perception of openness and expands the room's actual footprint. Zooco Estudio highlights that the shelves successfully integrate aesthetics and functionality. Their simple construction and white finish serve as a neutral and bright backdrop, allowing the homeowners' personal items to become the focal point. Throughout the residence, the material palette is intentionally simple and direct, featuring solid oak floors—often arranged in a herringbone pattern—complemented by white walls, ceilings, and the prominent white bookshelves. A notable exception is the staircase, which stands out as a sculptural element crafted from black, folded steel, contrasting sharply in both form and color with the rectilinear white shelves. In a creative inversion, the kitchen deviates from the general material scheme; instead of wood floors, white tile is used, and the cabinetry and shelves are made of wood. This white tile retains the scale of the herringbone pattern found elsewhere but introduces a contrasting texture and color. On the second floor, the white shelving continues, serving a dual purpose as a storage solution and a protective railing. The two bedrooms and bathroom on this level are separated from the hallway by vertically oriented slats, which conceal access doors and contribute to the visual unity of the area. The uppermost floor is dedicated to the master bedroom, where the vertical slats reappear as a partition between the bathroom and sitting area. Skylights are strategically placed above to ensure ample natural light throughout these spaces. In the bathrooms, ceramic tiles replace the oak flooring, covering both floors and walls. The square tiles vary in color depending on the bathroom, maintaining a simple and uncluttered aesthetic. The design successfully creates an open and interconnected living environment within a constrained footprint, utilizing a single, adaptable element to define spaces, provide storage, and enhance the overall aesthetic of the home. The thoughtful integration of materials and structural elements contributes to a cohesive and functional design that maximizes both visual appeal and practical utility. #ResidentialArchitecture #InteriorDesign #MadridHomes #ZoocoEstudio #BookshelfDesign #MultiFunctionalFurniture #SpaceOptimization #RenovationProject #ModernInteriors

Gon architects have transformed Casa Flix, a 42-square-meter attic apartment in Madrid's city center, into a flexible, light-filled urban home. Located on the sixth floor of a historic 1900 building near Calleo square, the renovation addressed the challenges of a compact space with a sloped roof and unconventional layout, aiming to maximize space, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. The original two-room layout was reconfigured into four distinct, yet visually connected, areas: a bedroom/dressing area, an entrance, a workspace/bathroom, and a kitchen/living/dining room. The apartment's entrance, designed to evoke a ship's interior, features a blue tunnel, a metal shelf, and a circular window, creating a unique transitional space. The central bathroom separates the sink and toilet from the shower, utilizing mirrored panels to conceal plumbing and expand the perceived space through reflections. A glass block wall in the shower ensures privacy while allowing natural light to penetrate. The workspace includes a triangular desk against a green partial wall, complemented by an orange Moustache chair. The kitchen area features pale yellow cabinets running along the higher end of the sloped ceiling, providing storage for kitchen essentials, cleaning products, and even the owner’s clothes. A vibrant blue dining table is positioned beneath the lower part of the ceiling. To enhance natural light and ventilation, additional skylights were installed in the bedroom and living room, creating an airy atmosphere. A transparent glass door at the entrance further contributes to the apartment's openness, allowing light to flow throughout. At night, the glass-blocked shower illuminates, casting a soft glow across the entire apartment. While most of the apartment features a mix of bold colors and white surfaces, the bedroom maintains a serene, minimalist aesthetic by being completely void of vibrant hues. The exterior of the building, with its small, open terrace offering views of tiled rooftops, complements the modern interior. The renovation successfully transformed a drab attic into a dynamic, colorful, and highly functional living space, emphasizing smart design solutions for small urban dwellings. The project highlights the potential for innovative design to revitalize historic spaces, creating contemporary homes that embrace both aesthetic appeal and practical living. #AtticRenovation #MadridArchitecture #ColorfulInterior #SmallSpaceDesign #UrbanLiving #GonArchitects #ModernApartment #ResidentialDesign #InteriorTransformation

Local House, completed in 2022, is a contemporary and sustainable residence situated within the historically significant Mount Eagle Estate in Eaglemont, Australia. Designed by Zen Architects, the project reinterprets the architectural character of the suburb while integrating seamlessly with its meticulously landscaped environment. The Mount Eagle Estate, originally planned and designed by Marion Mahoney and Walter Burley Griffin in 1915, is known for its winding roads and community parklands that follow the natural topography, with dwellings designed to be secondary to the natural landscape. The Griffins, proponents of modern architecture, advocated for designs free from stylistic precedents. This historical context informed the architectural approach for Local House, adhering to the estate's guidelines which encourage modern designs while complying with heritage, landscape, and vegetation protection overlays. The residence spans 214 square meters and was constructed by CBD Contracting Group. Key materials used in its construction include wood, concrete, and brick, contributing to its sustainable and contextual design. The architectural team was led by Ric Zen as the Design Architect, with Luke Rhodes as the Project Architect, and Madeleiene Ingham and Sanderson Bell serving as Architectural Assistants. OPS Engineers provided the engineering expertise for the project. The design prioritizes harmony with the natural surroundings, a core principle of the Mount Eagle Estate. This is evident in the integration of the house with its garden and facade, featuring numerous windows that allow for ample natural light and views of the landscape. The interior spaces are designed with a focus on natural materials, incorporating wooden elements, exposed beams, and thoughtful layouts that enhance functionality and aesthetic appeal. The presence of large windows throughout the house, including in living areas, bedrooms, and bathrooms, highlights the connection between indoor and outdoor environments. Courtyards and patio areas further extend the living space into the garden, providing opportunities for outdoor enjoyment and interaction with the natural setting. Interior photography showcases various rooms, including living areas with wooden tables and chairs, a kitchen with contemporary countertops and shelving, and bedrooms designed for comfort and natural light. The bathroom features modern fixtures and large windows, reinforcing the bright and open aesthetic. The overall design emphasizes a minimalist yet warm ambiance, achieved through the careful selection of materials and the strategic use of natural light. The project successfully balances modern architectural principles with the historical and environmental sensitivities of the Mount Eagle Estate, creating a dwelling that is both innovative and respectful of its unique context. #ResidentialArchitecture #SustainableDesign #ModernArchitecture #MountEagleEstate #ZenArchitects #Melbourne #Australia #ContemporaryHouse #EnvironmentalIntegration

Pia Mendaro, a Spanish architect, undertook the transformation of a 100 sqm warehouse in Madrid into a flexible living and workspace for her artist friend, Clara Cebrian. Cebrian's request for a home that could adapt over time, similar to a 'Ron Weasley house,' guided Mendaro's approach. The design aimed to be minimal, allowing life to unfold within the space while incorporating specific existing elements, including a kitchen Cebrian had purchased and immovable downspouts. Mendaro emphasized understanding the space as a square, a fundamental concept informing the layout. The central element of Topo's Shed is a semi-hanging platform that serves as the artist's sleeping area. This innovative feature, developed in collaboration with architect Manuel Ocana, was conceived after considering various mobile and enclosed bed designs. The decision to elevate the sleeping space was driven by the desire to detach it from the ground. Thin steel rods and corrugated rounds secure this structure to the ceiling truss, creating an ethereal and spacious sleeping area. The platform is strategically positioned near the gabled roof's opening, allowing light to filter into the space and offering views of the warehouse's horizon. A movable ladder provides access to this elevated platform, which is designed to accommodate multiple people. Additionally, a flight of steps, doubling as seating, leads to a balcony that provides views of the surrounding neighborhood. The layout of the warehouse integrates a discreet bathroom, concealed behind a wall that also separates the kitchen and main living area from the storage facility. The kitchen floor is distinguished by wooden planks, contrasting with the larger cement flooring throughout the rest of the space, a practical choice to maintain cleanliness. The home's design incorporates a lounge area, a hammock suspended beneath the elevated bed, and a substantial open area designated as the artist's studio. The color palette primarily features greys and whites for walls, floors, and ceilings, which are accented by pastel and coral hues in the kitchen cabinetry, furniture, and artworks. Reflecting on the completed project, Mendaro noted one potential area for improvement: the lack of direct sunlight due to the north-facing windows. While this aspect is beneficial for avoiding harsh glare, she considered the future need for curtains to facilitate longer sleep, acknowledging the natural light conditions. The project, named Topo's Shed, was completed in 2020 and is located in Madrid, Spain. It spans a built area of 100 sqm, with Clara Cebrian as the promoter and Fast&Furious Office responsible for production. This design exemplifies an unconventional approach to residential and studio spaces, prioritizing flexibility, adaptability, and a distinctive elevated living experience within a repurposed industrial structure. #PiaMendaro #WarehouseConversion #MadridArchitecture #ElevatedLiving #ArtistStudio #FlexibleSpaces #ArchitecturalInnovation #AdaptiveReuse #InteriorDesign

Architect Mary Ann Schicketanz, founder of Studio Schicketanz, has established her firm's reputation for sensitive and sustainable design, particularly within the Monterey Bay area of Northern California. Her approach is heavily influenced by her Austrian heritage and an admiration for midcentury modernist architects like Richard Neutra and Rudolph Schindler, who pioneered modern residential design in the U.S. Schicketanz, who has worked in Big Sur and Carmel-by-the-Sea for decades, emphasizes a seamless integration of sustainability concepts with design integrity, whether in new constructions or historic renovations. Studio Schicketanz specializes in both ground-up residential projects and the renovation of midcentury homes. A notable example of their renovation work is the Henry Hill House on the Monterey Peninsula. This 1,957-square-foot house was originally the private retreat and later primary residence of English-born midcentury starchitect Henry Hill, who used it as a personal architectural testing ground. The house evolved through various additions, incorporating geometric shapes, light monitors, and unique fenestration patterns. Schicketanz describes it as a "living architectural being" due to Hill's continuous experimentation with its structure and interior finishes, which included unusual materials like seashell-covered walls, wallpaper made from book pages, gilded surfaces, and leather tiles. When commissioned by a retired Silicon Valley couple to modernize the Hill House, Schicketanz faced the challenge of preserving its unique architectural spirit while updating its functionality and sustainability. Instead of a strict restoration to a specific period, her strategy involved addressing failing elements and introducing new interventions that echoed Hill's inventive spirit. Key improvements included opening up the cramped interior to enhance circulation, increase natural light, and strengthen the connection to the outdoors. The firm also upgraded outdated mechanical systems and an uninsulated building envelope by adding high-performance spray foam insulation to walls and replacing the forced-air heating system with radiant heat. While some original single-pane windows were replaced with double-glazed casements for efficiency, many original glazings were retained to respect Hill’s design intent. The team also meticulously preserved rough-sawn cedar siding and interior woodwork where possible. New additions, such as a powder room, were designed to align with Hill's playful glamor, featuring a custom gold and white geometric wall mosaic by artist Erin Adams. This approach reflects Studio Schicketanz's broader philosophy: that the most sustainable design strategy is to maintain and thoughtfully adapt existing structures. For their new constructions, particularly those on significant waterfront properties, the firm prioritizes efficient footprints and energy systems, aiming for structures that are integrated into the landscape rather than conspicuous. They have a strong commitment to green design, having completed the first LEED-certified home in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Currently, the firm strives to achieve net-zero energy and carbon-neutral status for all new projects. An example is the Mal Paso residence in Big Sur, a net-zero home designed as four interconnected pavilions that blend into the hillside with green roofs. Studio Schicketanz continues to work on net-zero residential projects in Monterey Bay and Los Angeles, demonstrating a deep respect for the natural environment and a commitment to sustainable architectural practices. #StudioSchicketanz #SustainableDesign #MontereyBay #HistoricRenovation #MidcenturyModern #NetZeroHomes #CaliforniaArchitecture #GreenBuilding

The article details the thoughtful renovation of a Spanish Revival home in Los Angeles by interior design studio Ome Dezin, in collaboration with interior designer and content creator Marco Zamora. The project aimed to restore the home's historical essence while integrating modern design sensibilities, culminating in an interior that is both soothing and European-inspired. Located in the historic Outpost Estates neighbourhood, the renovation respects the architectural roots of the Spanish Revival style, which was prominent in 20th-century California, characterized by clay tile roofs, white stucco walls, arched doorways, exposed wooden beams, carved doors, and wrought ironwork. The design approach by Ome Dezin and Zamora blends old-world European-Spanish textures with contemporary, clean-lined elements. The chosen colour palette features earthy neutrals, including deep-stained woods, terracotta tiles, and marble, creating a calming atmosphere. Natural materials contribute to the home's soulful character, while touches of stainless steel introduce a sophisticated tension. The interior styling involves a curated mix of vintage and modern pieces, sourced from various places including Amsterdam Modern, Ruemmler, Lulu and Georgia, Nordic Knots, and European flea markets. This eclectic yet refined selection emphasizes the impact of a few well-chosen elements over visual extravagance. A key aspect of Spanish Revival architecture, the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, is meticulously addressed in the renovation. The project extends the backyard with a deck that cantilevers over a canyon, featuring a secluded outdoor kitchen surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees. Winding paths lead to hidden sections of the property, including a meditation hut offering expansive views of the hills. Every design decision, from material choices to object selection, reflects a balance between preserving heritage and embracing a modern aesthetic. The result is a home that does not adhere strictly to past or present trends but rather occupies a thoughtful middle ground, creating a timeless and serene living environment. This renovation is part of Wallpaper's series, "The Inside Story," which spotlights innovative interior design projects. The article highlights how the collaboration successfully captures the nostalgic spirit of 1950s Los Angeles while adapting it for contemporary living. The project underscores the importance of a nuanced design approach that respects a home's history while infusing it with new light and functionality. #SpanishRevival #LosAngeles #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #OmeDezin #MarcoZamora #ArchitecturalHistory #EuropeanDesign #OutdoorLiving

The article describes the transformation of an old Mexican house into an artist's retreat for financial adviser Dorsey Gardner, located in San Miguel de Allende. Gardner initially sought a small studio but acquired a significantly larger 19th-century cottage, which was later expanded to 12,000 square feet. The property, built in the late 1700s, was surrounded by high walls and presented several challenges. Upon acquiring the property, Gardner faced initial issues, including a dense "cactus farm" on the premises. Hundreds of cacti, including a large candelabra cactus, were carefully relocated. The house also featured numerous false ceilings installed in the 1950s in its oldest section, which architect Sebastian Zavala removed to restore the original height and appearance of the rooms. Zavala also enhanced some ceilings with grand wooden crossbeams and refinished existing 1950s wood doors and windows with a light whitewash. During the renovation, a hand-painted frieze in the primary bedroom was uncovered and preserved. Gardner, who had previously undertaken remodeling projects on his own homes in Boston, entrusted the design of this Mexican property to Zavala and Paris-born, San Miguel–based designer Anne-Marie Midy. Gardner expressed a preference for a neutral aesthetic, distinct from traditional Mexican decor. He provided the designers with inspiration from magazines and gave them "carta blanca" for the project before embarking on an extended trip. Midy, along with her partner Jorge Almada, founded Casa Midy, a design firm specializing in furniture and accessories. Gardner's house became their first major interior design project. He had discovered Midy and Almada at their former bistro, Plum, known for its distinctive all-purple decor, which Midy noted was an effective way to attract clients. Zavala converted the original structure into a three-bedroom, five-bathroom artist's retreat, maintaining the house's Spanish Colonial architectural elements, stone walls, and archways. He added a spacious studio and installed robust columns on the patio, using locally quarried stone. A new second-floor guest room was also added, offering views of the 17th-century parish church's Gothic-style tower, an 1880 addition inspired by European postcards. Midy and Almada adhered to Gardner's request for a more understated Mexican interior design. They avoided extensive use of decorative elements like talavera tiles, except for a minimal application in the kitchen, and chose muted colors. However, they integrated rich local decorative resources, using jute from Yucatán for curtains, linens from local cotton mills, and furniture sourced from regional antiques shops. Even the traditional lime-and-pigment paint was mixed with San Miguel dirt to achieve a warmer tone. Midy and Almada also designed furniture and accessories for the house, such as iron sconces, a leather cocktail table, and bed linens. They collaborated with Zavala to create trench-like fountains inspired by hacienda horse troughs. The project concluded after a year, with Gardner expressing immense satisfaction, declaring the house fit for a king. #MexicanDesign #ArtistStudio #SanMiguelDeAllende #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #SpanishColonial #ArchitecturalRestoration #CasaMidy #LuxuryHome

Carlos Naude and Whitney Brown, the husband-and-wife team behind Working Holiday Studio, embarked on a significant renovation of a 1960s mid-century modern ranch in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles. Their design philosophy centered on the balance between form and function, a principle they applied extensively to create a serene and practical home for their young family. The couple acquired the property during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period that highlighted their need for more space, including areas for work, a yard for their son and dog, and a dedicated space for wellness activities like yoga. The Los Angeles real estate market was highly competitive, and after numerous unsuccessful bids, they purchased a severely dilapidated property sold "as is." The house required a complete overhaul, including new electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, alongside a full aesthetic redesign. Despite the initial challenges, the home offered attractive features such as high ceilings, a half-acre lot, and a convenient location near Malibu. Undeterred by the extensive work, Naude and Brown managed the general contracting themselves, a task Naude described as immensely challenging. Their design inspiration for the home, which they affectionately named the "Zen Den," drew from a desire for tranquility, Naude's Mexican heritage, and the architectural work of Tadao Ando, particularly after a trip to Naoshima, Japan. The goal was to create a calm and peaceful sanctuary amidst a chaotic world. The design incorporated a generous number of windows and skylights to flood the interior with natural light, creating dynamic interplay of highlights and shadows throughout the day. Brutalist elements, such as concrete and cement finishes, were balanced with softer touches like pale oak floors, linear light fixtures, and woven wall tapestries from the Mexican company Caralarga. These tapestries not only added an artisanal aesthetic but also served a functional purpose by improving the acoustics in rooms with high ceilings. The kitchen features concrete countertops by Caesarstone and streamlined IKEA cabinetry with door fronts from the Danish company Reform. A load-bearing beam that initially posed a design challenge was ingeniously transformed into a stylish wood-slatted wall, becoming a central feature that complemented the custom marble table and chairs by Casa Quieta. The home seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor living, with a rust-hued sofa and sculptural chair in the living room providing both comfort and a playful space for their son. The outdoor area, furnished with a seat from Neighbor, offers a peaceful spot for work and relaxation. One of the most striking transformations is the home’s exterior, which was painted a bold black using Backdrop's 'After Hours' hue. This choice, inspired by the traditional Japanese shou sugi ban technique of charring wood for preservation, might seem counterintuitive for a "zen" theme but was a deliberate and impactful design decision. The year-long renovation culminated in a home that perfectly embodies the couple’s vision of serenity and security. Naude emphasized the profound impact of living spaces on mood and life quality, expressing pride in their achievement and contentment with their new, tranquil abode. #HomeRenovation #MidCenturyModern #ZenDesign #BlackExterior #LosAngelesHome #IndoorOutdoorLiving #WorkingHolidayStudio #DesignPhilosophy #DIYRenovation

Madrid is a vibrant city renowned for its rich architectural history, spanning from the Habsburg Empire through the Baroque and 20th-century modernist periods. This article highlights five properties currently available for sale in Madrid, each embodying a blend of historical context and contemporary design, infused with Spanish flair. One featured property is a 1920s Salamanca apartment located on the fourth floor of a building erected during Miguel Primo de Rivera's dictatorship. This Golden Mile apartment reflects the architectural style of a period when Spain was becoming increasingly conservative, leading to a flourishing creative counter-scene. It retains numerous original details, such as mouldings and stained glass, harmoniously integrated with modern additions like a glass-framed study. The apartment, offering three bedrooms, is listed for €1.9 million via The Sibarist. Another distinctive property is an Art Deco riad situated in The Press Colony. This architectural gem, built in 1945, was part of a modernist enclave designed by architect Felipe Mario López Blanco for journalists. The four-bedroom home showcases a unique blend of Arabic and modernist motifs. Its striking patterned facade and features like its stained glass windows have received heritage protection. The property underwent a sensitive renovation three years prior and offers a roof terrace and a garden with mature 100-year-old cedars, oleanders, and magnolias. It is available for £1.3 million via The Singular Space. A light-filled Retiro penthouse offers unparalleled views of Madrid's Retiro neighborhood and park. Located on the eighth floor of a 1960s modernist building, this three-bedroom penthouse is characterized by pale wood panelling, whitewashed walls, and abundant natural light streaming through skylights set in six-meter-high ceilings. A spiral staircase connects its two levels, with bedrooms also enjoying city views. This property is priced at €2.7 million through The Sibarist. The Gilded Age Conde Orgaz villa provides expansive living spaces, including an outdoor swimming pool and a vast 100-sq-m living room. This five-bedroom historic property features rich interiors with wood panelling and parquet flooring, complemented by red marble fireplaces. It also includes a basement level with a cellar, gym, and office, offering potential for further customization. The villa is listed for €3.7 million via Berkshire Hathaway Global. Finally, a Justicia industrial penthouse showcases a modern, minimalist aesthetic following a recent total renovation. Full-height steel-frame windows ensure the two-bedroom apartment is consistently flooded with light. White floorboards extend to a 40-meter terrace, providing views of the neoclassical buildings of Justicia. A long, narrow hallway leads to the two bedrooms, each with an ensuite. This renovated penthouse is available for €2.3 million via The Sibarist. #MadridProperty #HistoricHomes #LuxuryRealEstate #SpanishArchitecture #ApartmentForSale #Penthouse #Villa #ArtDeco #ModernistDesign

BURR, an experimental Spanish architectural firm, undertook the conversion of a former office space in northern Madrid into a contemporary apartment, a project they named 'NN06.' Instead of a complete overhaul of the existing structure, the architects opted for an innovative approach, integrating a series of bespoke metal 'plug-ins' and wooden furniture pieces to redefine the living space. The initial phase of the project involved stripping back all prior ceiling, floor, and wall coverings, creating a blank canvas to introduce their distinct interventions. The new additions within the apartment are categorized into two main material families: metallic and wooden elements. The metallic components, characterized by their blue coating, are designed to hang structurally from the walls, intentionally avoiding contact with the floor. The central and most prominent metallic feature is a T-shaped bookshelf, strategically placed in the middle of the house. This bookshelf is suspended a few centimeters above the floor, anchored between the building's load-bearing walls. Beyond its primary function as storage, this blue bookshelf serves as a focal point, a 'totem' around which the apartment's entire layout is organized. Other metallic elements introduced by BURR include a gate that demarcates a workspace from the communal areas, a compact minibar, an interior shutter designed to isolate the kitchen space, and an exercise beam. These 'plug-ins' offer flexibility, allowing the inhabitants to adapt and utilize the various spaces according to their evolving needs and activities. This modular and adaptable design reflects a focus on the residents' lifestyle and the dynamic use of the apartment. In contrast, the wooden elements are designed to rest directly on the pre-existing floors. Before their installation, the original floors underwent a treatment process to remove previous coatings, thereby restoring their raw, structural character. The more private sections of the apartment, such as the bedrooms and the living room, are furnished with plywood platforms. These platforms are slightly elevated above the hard floors and are supported by wooden slats, reminiscent of traditional tatami mats or tablaos. A key feature of these wooden platforms, similar to the metallic interventions, is their ease of removal, accommodating the mobile and changing preferences of the clients. Through the 'NN06' project, BURR prioritized the 'activity' of the house and its occupants, emphasizing the value of movable and adaptable assets over static structural elements. The design philosophy behind this conversion aims to support the residents in their daily routines by providing a versatile constellation of support elements, ultimately culminating in a detailed and modern apartment that responds to contemporary living demands. #ArchitecturalConversion #MadridArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #ModularInteriors #InteriorDesign #BlueBookshelf #AdaptiveReuse #BURRArchitects

Sigla Studio has completed the renovation of a 150-square-meter apartment in Barcelona's Eixample district, located within the 1904 residential building Casa Salvador Viladevall III. The project focused on preserving and restoring the apartment's original early 20th-century features while integrating contemporary elements for improved functionality and comfort. Unlike many other renovations in the building that disregarded historical characteristics, Sigla Studio meticulously rehabilitated existing details, aiming for a harmonious blend of old and new. Key original features preserved and restored include the vibrant mosaic floor tiles and decorative plaster mouldings on the ceilings. The mosaic floors, identified as creations by Teotim Fortuny—a prominent manufacturer of hydraulic mosaics in Catalonia known for intricate modernist and traditional Catalan designs—were carefully restored, with missing tiles painstakingly sourced to maintain their integrity. Solid wooden doors were also preserved, and original windows were updated with double-glazing to enhance energy efficiency without compromising their aesthetic or tactile qualities. Structurally, a significant intervention involved opening up the kitchen to the hallway and introducing an internal window between the kitchen and living room. These changes were implemented to improve natural light penetration and overall flow within the central areas of the apartment. The kitchen also received a vaulted ceiling and warm red Alicante marble floors, which create a striking contrast with the cool steel kitchen cabinets. In the living and dining areas, a large table designed by the studio, featuring a marine plywood structure and a Roman travertine marble top, serves as a focal point. A silver pendant lamp hangs above it, accentuating a ceiling rose, part of the decorative plaster mouldings. The bedrooms adopt a more subdued, natural color palette, balancing the vibrant restored floors with softer tones to ensure seamless integration of historical and modern elements. To accommodate the client's request for an additional bedroom, the main bedroom was divided into two using a custom-built dressing room. This adaptive design solution avoided alterations to the original mosaic floors or ceiling mouldings, respecting the apartment's historical layout while meeting contemporary needs. Bathrooms feature custom-made red marble sinks and detailing, designed to visually integrate with the rest of the apartment rather than being isolated spaces. When not in use, their open doors contribute to a greater sense of spaciousness and improved lighting. The project underscores a commitment to celebrating Barcelona's rich architectural heritage through thoughtful restoration and contemporary intervention. #BarcelonaApartment #SiglaStudio #ApartmentRenovation #HistoricPreservation #MosaicFloors #CatalanModernism #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalRestoration #EixampleDistrict

The "PETS & HUMAN - Positive House" project, designed by Studio ruizvelazquez, was completed in 2023 in Madrid, Spain. This architectural endeavor, featured in Casa Decor 2023, aimed to create a harmonious living space that caters to both human and animal residents, emphasizing biophilia and positive interaction between species. The design concept revolves around integrating nature and natural elements into the urban context, transforming a domestic interior into a vibrant ecosystem. The project is specifically a single-family home with a focus on organic and sustainable architecture, adopting a tiny-house approach. The core philosophy behind the "Positive House" is rooted in biophilic design, which seeks to connect occupants more closely with nature. This is achieved through a deliberate selection of natural materials, forms, and sensory experiences. The objective was to enhance the well-being of both humans and pets by fostering a calming, stimulating, and healthy environment. The design promotes a sense of peace and natural beauty, moving away from traditional static interior design towards a dynamic, evolving space that mirrors the outdoors. Sustainability is a key aspect of the project, with a strong emphasis on ecological responsibility. The house incorporates sustainable materials and construction techniques, contributing to a reduced environmental footprint. This aligns with the broader trend in architecture towards eco-conscious building and living. The tiny-house typology further supports this by optimizing space and resources, promoting a more minimalist and efficient lifestyle. The project utilized a range of manufacturers and materials to achieve its vision. Notable brands involved include Geberit, Saloni, ABB, Axor Design, BANG & OLUFSEN, Cement Design, Drypets, Ecoclay, Ecoplen, and Estufamania. These choices reflect a blend of functionality, aesthetics, and often, sustainability. The interior design, managed by Marta García Ríos, and technical engineering by Almudena de Toledo Congosto, under the leadership of Héctor Ruiz Velázquez, ensured that every detail contributed to the overall biophilic and pet-friendly design. The "Positive House" exemplifies an innovative approach to residential architecture, where the needs and sensory experiences of all inhabitants, including pets, are meticulously considered. It represents a forward-thinking model for urban living that prioritizes well-being, sustainability, and a deep connection with the natural world, even within a compact footprint. #BiophilicDesign #SustainableArchitecture #PetFriendlyDesign #TinyHouse #MadridArchitecture #ResidentialInteriors #OrganicArchitecture #StudioRuizvelazquez #CasaDecor

The 'Zen Houses' project, designed by Petr Stolín Architekt, offers a streamlined approach to housing and development by splitting a single dwelling into distinct living and working spaces. Located near Liberec, Czech Republic, this architectural endeavor addresses the contemporary need for integrated live-work environments. The design philosophy centers on straightforward and efficient construction techniques, utilizing basic materials to create an experimental yet functional residence. The project comprises two identical cubic volumes, each measuring 3 meters in width and two stories high. One volume serves as the residence, while the other functions as a studio. These rectangular forms are strategically positioned adjacent to each other, framing a prominent tree and oriented to face south, maximizing natural light exposure. The external cladding consists of transparent acrylic panels mounted on a simple wooden frame, which intentionally highlights the exposed timber structure beneath, contributing to the project's aesthetic of deliberate austerity. Between the two primary volumes, a garden area is thoughtfully integrated, drawing inspiration from Japanese architectural principles. This central green space not only provides a visual connection to nature but also functions as a private outdoor dining and recreational area, accessible via a short elevated platform that links the two structures. This setup facilitates a mutual visual contact between the residential and studio spaces, despite their physical separation, fostering a sense of interconnectedness. Both volumes incorporate a half-mezzanine level and feature large recessed windows. These windows are designed to frame views of the surrounding fields, bringing the rural landscape into the interiors and ensuring an abundance of natural light throughout the day. The interior finishes further differentiate the spaces: the living quarters are rendered in a black palette, while the studio adopts a contrasting white scheme. This color distinction visually separates the functions while maintaining a cohesive design language. Adhering to a low-budget approach, the project utilizes a restrained material palette. Key materials include chipboard, wooden beams, plywood, raw metal, and rubber. This selection not only contributes to the cost-effectiveness of the construction but also reinforces the project's minimalist and unpretentious character. The transparent façade allows for a subtle sense of the house's mass, enabling occupants and observers to perceive the structural elements and the interplay of light and shadow within. The design successfully creates three distinct external living areas: public, semi-public, and private, catering to various functional and aesthetic requirements. #PetrStolinArchitekt #ZenHouses #LiveWorkSpace #TransparentArchitecture #MinimalistDesign #CzechArchitecture #SustainableBuilding #ModularDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation

This article explores the architectural concept of "overprovision" or "wasteful space" in residential design, challenging the conventional emphasis on maximizing every square inch for functionality. The discussion begins by acknowledging that overprovision can be viewed as an architectural strategy for resilience, promoting adaptable spaces that can be reinterpreted for future needs. However, the core of the article delves into how deliberately creating unprogrammed, seemingly functionless spaces can enhance the living experience, particularly in urban environments where spatial optimization is a cultural norm. This perspective aims to move beyond the "house as a machine for living in" mentality, which often leads to cluttered and cramped homes due to an obsessive focus on utility and storage. The article highlights that the fear of unused space being a wasted investment often overshadows the intangible benefits of emptiness. Open, undefined areas can significantly improve spatial quality, foster relaxation, and elevate the aesthetic appeal of a home. It suggests that the true value of such spaces lies not in immediate function but in their potential to provide room for reflection, adaptability, and breathability in daily life, ultimately contributing to healthier and more balanced homes. A significant portion of the article is dedicated to the work of Kazuo Shinohara, a prominent figure in modern Japanese architecture, who championed the concept of "muda no kukan" (wasteful space). Shinohara critiqued architecture's overemphasis on functionality, arguing that it often resulted in overly complex and congested designs. Instead, he advocated for simplified spaces that offer a profound sense of dwelling and reflection, existing solely to enrich the joy of living. His projects, such as the House in White, the Uncompleted House, and the Repeating Crevice House, illustrate this philosophy through the inclusion of elements like redundant staircases. These elements, far from serving a practical purpose, created vertical slices and double-height pockets that provided moments of spatial balance and serenity, transforming a house into a work of art rather than a mere functional machine. The discussion then extends to contemporary examples, drawing parallels with the Eames House (Case Study House No. 8). The Eames House, with its double-height living room and studio spaces, demonstrates a deliberate overprovision of volume that blurs functional identities, mirroring Shinohara's concept of redundant architectural elements. These spaces prioritize experience over utility, offering undefined zones for residents. The article further explores modern residential designs like the Wang Residence by 2BOOKS DESIGN and the Paysandú Residences by Bakro-Mayorano, which incorporate similar ideas. The Wang Residence uses a strategically placed mirror at a stair landing to create a moment of pause and reflection, while the Paysandú Residences utilize vertical voids adjacent to staircases to form dramatic spatial buffers. These contemporary examples illustrate how deliberate overprovisions act as "fissures" within the layout, offering moments of detachment from the home's utilitarian functions and fostering an emotional and sensory connection to the architecture. In conclusion, the article argues that functionless spaces introduce a scale shift that liberates occupants from purely utilitarian living environments. By emphasizing dwelling as an experiential act, overprovisioned and wasteful spaces play a crucial role in creating homes that prioritize the emotional and sensory needs of inhabitants over simply maximizing storage or utility. This approach suggests that sometimes, doing "less" with space or being deliberately wasteful can ultimately achieve much more in enriching the overall living experience. #ArchitecturalDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #SpatialDesign #KazuoShinohara #EamesHouse #FunctionlessSpace #WastefulSpace #InteriorDesign #ModernHomes

Muka Arquitectura has completed the Fuensanta House, a residential project in Ciudad Real, Spain. This unique dwelling serves as the inaugural structure in a largely undeveloped urban area, addressing the uncertainty of future adjacent constructions by adopting a fortress-like design. The house features ribbed concrete walls, distinguished by a corduroy-like texture, and is crowned with a pitched roof. Two substantial abutments extend above the main structure, contributing to its robust appearance. The exterior presents a small, recessed doorway within its brown concrete facade, emphasizing its self-contained nature. The architects chose this robust, isolated design due to the lack of existing architectural context or typological references in the surrounding unbuilt plots. The project's full integration and contextual meaning are anticipated to evolve as neighboring plots are developed, positioning the Fuensanta House as the initial element in the urban development of Ciudad Real. Three slender glass boxes vertically span the facade, accommodating a bathroom, a bar, and a staircase. These translucent elements are veiled with white frosted glass, featuring a ridged texture that visually complements the concrete, while simultaneously allowing natural light to permeate the interior spaces. The design intentionally conceals any overt domestic indicators, reinforcing the structure's singular and preparatory role within the evolving urban landscape. Internally, a double-height void centrally bisects the building. On one side of this void, a narrow galley kitchen and an adjoining dining room are situated. Below these, at the basement level, a toilet and a storage room are located. The opposing side of the void houses a reception room, a garage, and a utility room. The kitchen benefits from porthole skylights integrated into the concrete ceiling and wall, which project distinct light patterns onto the interior surfaces. A suspended corridor traverses the atrium, connecting the master bedroom, which is situated within the larger of the two end blocks, to a sauna located in the smaller block. The elevated walkway features steel base plates with slits, allowing light to filter through, and is secured to the ceiling by a series of metal cables. The interaction of sunlight entering through the glass bays with the textured concrete walls creates dynamic patterns of light and shadow, highlighting the material's rich characteristics. Behind the elevated walkway, four concrete cuboids are arranged between the two end blocks. Two of these cuboids house double-height bedrooms, characterized by wood-paneled interiors designed to enhance the vertical dimension. The remaining two cuboids are two-storey spaces, each containing a bathroom on the ground level and a study above, and are connected to the adjacent bedrooms. Curved metal rungs provide access to glass-fronted perches that project from each study. Each bedroom cubicle also incorporates a strip of glazing on its back wall for additional light and features a trio of teardrop-shaped bulbs. The external surfaces of the four volumes are illuminated by up-lights, emphasizing the textural details, crevices, and chips in the concrete, with low-consumption LEDs integrated into continuous strips within the concrete cracks for artificial lighting. #MukaArquitectura #FuensantaHouse #ConcreteArchitecture #SpanishArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #UrbanDevelopment #CiudadReal #TexturedConcrete

This article highlights the transformation of a 1930s apartment in Madrid's Chamberí district by design studio Plutarco, led by Ana Arana. Originally a series of dark, confined rooms, the 140-square-metre space was redesigned to be vibrant and functional, catering to the owners' passion for cooking and entertaining. The clients' unconventional request for a large, open kitchen, which is not typical in Spain, was central to the renovation. Despite initial concerns about food smells, Ana's team developed an effective solution that integrated the kitchen seamlessly into the living and dining areas. The renovation involved a complete overhaul, removing walls to create an open-plan L-shaped living/dining area that wraps around the kitchen. The apartment now includes two bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom, and a third bathroom that functions as a utility room, discreetly housing a washing machine and cleaning supplies. Ana Arana viewed the challenge of carving out distinct zones within a compact footprint as an opportunity for creative problem-solving, emphasizing that restrictions often lead to innovative design solutions. Her approach focused on manipulating light, color, and materials to achieve an uplifting atmosphere. The design scheme is characterized by a painterly quality, drawing inspiration from artists like Miró and Mondrian. This is evident in the use of rainbow-bright furniture, art, and unexpected color accents, such as lilac cabinetry under the kitchen counter. Playful elements, including tomato-red 'Ekstrem' chairs by Terje Ekstrøm and nougat-like terrazzo flooring, are balanced with subtle refinement to create rooms that are both visually appealing and comfortable for living. The overall aesthetic conveys a sense of fun and approachability. Bold, vibrant colors are a recurring theme throughout the apartment, notably in the coral-pink and sky-blue bathrooms. These exuberant hues are strategically contained and grounded by black fixtures and fittings, which Ana describes as a neutral element that provides a sense of unity. This contrast between vivid colors and structured black lines evokes the artistic styles of Joan Miró and Piet Mondrian, where primary colors are sharply defined on a canvas. Despite its contemporary and fresh appearance, the home maintains a connection to its Spanish roots through its functional design. Ana emphasizes that the most Madrilenian aspect of the apartment is not its aesthetics but its functionality, particularly its emphasis on communal living and entertaining. She notes that in Madrid, people prioritize gatherings and family dinners, often willing to sacrifice living room space for a larger area dedicated to parties. The apartment successfully balances these cultural values with modern design, creating a space that prioritizes food, friends, family, and fun. The renovation, detailed in ELLE Decoration March 2021, showcases Plutarco's ability to transform a traditional property into a bold, functional, and joyful home tailored to its owners' lifestyle. #MadridApartment #SmallSpaceDesign #ColourfulInteriors #OpenPlanLiving #ModernRenovation #SpanishDesign #PlutarcoStudio #InteriorDecorating #FunctionalDesign