Residential SERIES  •  Project FEATURE

The architectural renovation becomes an exercise in memory and renewal. It not only rescues a space with deep emotional roots but also transforms it into a contemporary refuge, warm and open, where every corner is designed to embrace everyday life.

The project originates from an intimate bond: an inherited apartment, witness to family experiences and personal memories of the owner. This emotional dimension became the driving force behind conserving and transforming the home. StudioMadera understood from the outset that this was not just about redesigning a compact space, but about reinterpreting a story through a contemporary lens. With only 41 m² and a U-shaped configuration, the apartment presented significant limitations. The goal was to reorganize the floor plan to incorporate an independent bedroom, an efficient bathroom, and a flexible dining/study area, without sacrificing openness or light. The challenge lay in transforming a rigid geometry into a fluid and practical layout.

"The design can be both memory and future, transforming the intimacy of a home into a unique architectural narrative."

The new axis of the residence is materialized in the kitchen, conceived as the vital and social core. The peninsula, with the cooktop oriented toward the living area, fosters interaction while cooking and becomes the centerpiece of the communal space. Clad in vertical wooden slats, it acts as a sculptural yet functional element, a natural gathering point within the home.

Every piece of carpentry was designed to measure, maximizing storage while reinforcing visual continuity. Built-in wardrobes, kitchen furniture, and bespoke pieces blend seamlessly into the walls, creating an atmosphere of discretion and harmony. This strategy allows practicality and aesthetics to coexist in balance, giving the apartment a unified identity.

"Sensitivity, functionality, and honest materials succeed in turning a small space into a complete universe of life and emotion."

The use of natural materials defines the soul of the project. Clay walls provide texture and regulate humidity, while natural wood in floors and furniture establishes a direct connection with nature. Textiles in terracotta and neutral tones wrap the space in warmth, turning the home into a true urban refuge.

In homage to the early 20th-century building, hydraulic-style tiles were introduced in the vestibule, kitchen, and bathroom. Acting as visual rugs, they evoke tradition while blending with a contemporary aesthetic. This decision respects the essence of the original apartment while infusing it with unique character and personality.

Compact yet carefully designed, the bathroom continues the home’s material and aesthetic palette. Its clay-and-lime micro-mortar walls establish continuity, while a handcrafted, water-resistant wallpaper adds a decorative accent with its organic pattern and earthy tones. The result is an intimate, minimalist, and personal space.

In this project, architecture becomes an exercise in memory and renewal. Beyond spatial reorganization and noble materials, natural light emerges as the defining protagonist. Filtered through linen curtains, it floods the rooms softly, creating a serene and warm atmosphere. This interplay of light and shadow dissolves boundaries, enhancing the apartment’s sense of openness and tranquility.