This comprehensive renovation turns a 45 m² flat with a complex and highly compartmentalised "U-shape" layout into a functional, cosy and light-filled home. Located in a 1930s building in Madrid, the project sought to reorganise the awkward footprint to incorporate a separate bedroom, a bathroom, a living area and a dining/study area, taking into account that the kitchen would become the heart of the home.
One of the main challenges was to fully optimise each square metre of the unusual shape, guaranteeing a sense of space and letting natural light flood the entire apartment. To do this, a fluid layout, natural materials and an integrated storage system was chosen to maximise functionality without overwhelming the design visually.
To enhance visual continuity and reinforce a sense of order, all the carpentry was custom-designed. Built-in wardrobes in the entrance and bedroom, as well as the kitchen cabinetry and the washbasin cabinet, were crafted from natural wood, integrating storage solutions without disrupting the flow of the design. These pieces blend seamlessly with the walls and finishes, creating a sense of harmony and balance.
The use of natural materials plays a key role in creating a warm and serene atmosphere. Clay walls not only add texture and warmth but also improve air quality and regulate humidity, underlining a commitment to healthy and sustainable design. Natural wood in floors, furniture, and panelling establishes a direct connection with nature, while textiles in terracotta and ecru tones enhance the feeling of an urban retreat.
As a nod to the building’s early 20th-century heritage, hydraulic-style tiles were incorporated into the entrance hall, kitchen, and bathroom, functioning as a visual carpet that unites the spaces while adding a timeless and classic aesthetic. These details not only respect the original essence of the home, but also give a unique and personalised character.
The organization of the space achieves a perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics. The bedroom, although independent, maintains design coherence through wooden finishes and neutral textiles. The bathroom, following the same approach, stands out for its minimalism and efficient use of space. Its walls are finished with clay and lime plaster, a natural material that maintains continuity with the rest of the home and enhances the consonance of the design.
The result is a home that blends history and modernity, where every detail has been carefully designed to create a functional, warm, and contemporary living space. The thoughtful layout, the use of natural materials, and the bespoke design make this apartment a unique home, where every corner reflects the essence of its inhabitant.
Avda Ciudad de Barcelona Apartment
StudioMadera
Silver

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Donald Strum
President
at Michael Graves Design
The tile wall in the shower has a b...
7
8
7
7.5
7.38

Alexander Fehre
Founder
at Studio Alexander Fehre
6.5
8.5
7.5
7.5
7.5

Yuko Tsukumo
General Manager
at Nikken Sekkei
6.5
8
7.5
7.5
7.38

Sabine de Schutter
Founder and CEO
at Studio De Schutter
7
8.5
7.5
7
7.5

Kaan Alpagut
Design Manager, Workplace Experience
at The Lego Group
6.5
8
6.5
7.5
7.13

Hilda Impey
Creative Partner and Founder
at Hilda Impey Studio
6
8
6.5
6.5
6.75

Wenke Lin
Founder and Design Director
at BDSD Boundless Design
7
8.5
8
8
7.88

Monika Choudhary
Cofounder and Creative Director
at Habitat Architects
6.5
7
7
7
6.88

Maud Capet
Associate Principal - Interior Design
at OBMI
7
8
7
7.5
7.38

Robben Bai
Founder
at Roarc Renew Architects
6
8
8.5
6
7.13
Designer
Client
Private
Floor area
41 ㎡
Completion
2024
Furniture
Furniture
Lighting
Finishes