Residential SERIES  •  Project FEATURE

Sensitivity to the Past – Génova by Lama2studio and Dobleldesign

The key to this renovation has been the sensitivity with which the past has been treated. This intervention opts for a dialogue between the old and the new.

Stained glass windows, cornices, and other original elements have been precisely restored, creating an elegant backdrop for contemporary additions. The result is a balance between respect for the original architecture and a functional update that responds to modern needs. From the outset, the property owners were clear about their vision: a space that seamlessly blended modernity and warmth. Achieving this required a meticulous selection of materials. The use of natural stone, sophisticated upholstery, and walnut wood has helped construct a coherent and timeless visual language. Beyond aesthetics, these materials add depth and texture, turning every corner into a sensory experience. One of the project’s greatest successes is its emphasis on furniture with a strong Italian identity. Brands like Maxalto, Poltrona Frau, and B&B Italia integrate effortlessly into the spaces, bringing a cosmopolitan and refined air. However, this is not just about luxury for luxury’s sake—each piece has been carefully selected to harmonize with its surroundings, avoiding excess and preserving the home's original character.

"Art and architecture converse in every corner, creating a space where past and present coexist in harmony and sophistication."

The open-plan dining area is perhaps the space that best encapsulates the renovation’s philosophy. Here, the Xilos table by Antonio Citterio for Maxalto serves as the focal point, accompanied by Cecotti chairs in green-gray leather and a suspended lamp by Santa & Cole. What makes this space particularly compelling is its ability to balance functionality with artistic expression. In a setting where restraint typically dominates, the presence of sculptures and artwork infuses the space with a unique character, breaking monotony without becoming ostentatious. Another notable element is the canaletto walnut latticework by the Italian brand Porada. Composed of 227 solid wood rings, this structure functions not only as a visual divider but also as a layer of depth within the space. It exemplifies how design can be both functional and poetic—a strategy that should be more frequently applied in interior architecture.

The kitchen follows the same path of sophisticated minimalism. Here, the circular slate table by Poltrona Frau and Fidelio chairs strike a balance between solidity and visual lightness. It is a restrained space, free of excess, where the quality of materials and precision in detail speak for themselves. The living room, on the other hand, introduces an unexpected element into the equation: a fireplace. In a city like Madrid, where such architectural features are increasingly rare, maintaining a fireplace in a renovated apartment is a luxury that adds character and warmth. Its presence anchors the space, naturally becoming a focal point. However, the furniture selection could have embraced greater formal diversity—the choice of circular tables by B&B Italia and auxiliary pieces by Andreu World is elegant but predictable.

"Each material, each piece of furniture, and each selected artwork bear witness to a design conceived to endure—without excess, yet with a clear and powerful identity."

The primary bedroom embraces calm and restraint. The neutral color palette and the use of a custom-upholstered wardrobe demonstrate that luxury does not always have to be overt. The bespoke carpentry in the closets and dressing rooms stands out, showcasing the level of detail that defines this renovation. However, this space could have benefited from a bolder approach to color or texture contrast. The home’s three bedrooms continue this theme of understated sophistication. The sculptural beds by B&B Italia reinforce the idea that furniture can be a statement of design in itself. However, the repetition of the same brand across multiple rooms gives the impression of an overly calculated project, where surprise and spontaneity take a back seat.

The TV room is the only space where the color palette intentionally breaks away from the rest of the home. The Sengu Bold sofa by Cassina introduces a play of shapes and volumes that energize the space, giving it a distinct identity within the home. The presence of works by Carlos Villabón and Alexander Apóstol further reinforces this sense of contrast, creating a refreshing focal point within the home’s visual narrative. The bathrooms follow the same controlled design language, where wood and stone take center stage. Without grand decorative gestures, these spaces serve as a logical conclusion to the home’s carefully considered aesthetic. The design is meticulous, though perhaps overly cautious. In a project where art and design play such an important role, it would have been interesting to see a greater degree of experimentation in these spaces. Génova by Lama2studio and Dobleldesign stands out for its respect for the original architecture and its ability to integrate art and design into everyday living. Its greatest strength lies in the coherence of its conception—every material, every piece of furniture, and every artwork has been chosen with clear intent. However, at times, the project feels overly calculated, with a predictability that diminishes its spontaneity. Restraint is a virtue, but when taken to an extreme, it can strip spaces of their emotional impact. A greater play of contrasts—both in materials and colors—would have further elevated this intervention.

This renovation is a compelling example of how interior architecture can serve as a bridge between the past and present. With its understated elegance and dedication to art, this apartment on Calle Génova demonstrates that the best renovations are not those that erase history, but those that reinterpret it with sensitivity and vision for the future.