OOIIO Architecture Transforms Madrid Apartment: A New Era of Urban Living Unveiled!

By Michael Reed

OOIIO Architecture Reimagines Madrid Apartment for a New Era

Despite its modest footprint of 689 square feet, House 64 exudes a sense of spaciousness and light following its recent makeover. Named for both its 64 square meters of area and the 64 years that elapsed since its initial construction before the renovation by OOIIO Architecture, this project transformed a once-cramped fifth-floor unit in a 1960 residential building. Originally home to nine occupants, the space has been creatively redesigned to accommodate a modern lifestyle for two individuals.

The Carabanchel district in Madrid, where this building is located, has evolved significantly from the time it represented the outskirts of the city. Originally a destination for large rural families escaping hardships in the Spanish countryside, the area has transformed into a vibrant urban neighborhood, now easily accessible via elevator and close to central Madrid, reflecting the dynamic shifts of a globally connected city. House 64 embodies this transformation, shifting from a dark, segmented space to one that is open, fluid, and adaptable to contemporary living.

The renovation by OOIIO was approached as a complete overhaul. The interior was entirely stripped, removing all partitions to let natural light flow freely between the parallel facades. What was once a cramped set of rooms became a space where cross-ventilation is not just a possibility but a highlight, providing a level of comfort that was previously unattainable.

With the apartment reduced to its bare structure, the architects reimagined it as a multi-layered canvas, employing a mix of colors, textures, and materials to craft a series of engaging spatial experiences. Instead of traditional fixed rooms, the design introduces versatile, sculptural elements that serve multiple purposes. Walls are treated as canvases showcasing a variety of materials—reflective, corrugated, tiled, and colorful—creating a cohesive and engaging environment. A striking example includes a white, corrugated metal surface facing a deep blue sofa, with a triangular cabinet below it echoing the blue tones, situated near a similarly colored boxed structure by the kitchen. Privacy in the bedroom is afforded by a golden velvet curtain, which visually complements a nearby wall of wavy yellow tiles, while an olive green sideboard provides a solid visual anchor amidst lighter hues of clay, sky blue, and earth tones found in lamps, counters, and wardrobes.

Furniture plays a crucial role in defining the space, with pieces from brands such as HAY, Kave Home, Cosentino, and Grespania selected in vibrant colors and materials to enhance the apartment’s lively atmosphere. These include splashes of sunny yellow, dusty coral, and rich blue, which lend every corner a deliberate and thought-out feel.

Storage is smartly integrated within sleek, box-like structures in shades of blue and coral, which not only help define the apartment’s layout but also maximize the use of space.

The color scheme extends into the bathroom, where continuity is maintained through the use of coral and blue tones. The bathroom features a floating sink vanity in coral, matching the kitchen cabinetry, and blue terrazzo surfaces that cover the floors, walls, and shower area. A dramatic black vessel sink and faucet complete the look, adding a touch of sophistication.

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