Nuñez de Balboa

Erlantz Biderbost

NUÑEZ DE BALBOA PROJECT

• Architects

The property is located in one of the most classic and elegant neighbourhoods of Madrid.

The building in which it is located has a brutalist style, with a rigid façade and a monochromatic colour scheme, which inspired us to create large, open, interconnected spaces in the house.

The existing layout had a high degree of compartmentalization of rooms and, as a result, a noticeable lack of light in the heart of the home. With the integral reform, the aim was to recover all the light from outside and to allow it to pass through the rooms from side to side. This was achieved by unifying the terraces, each located at one end of the house, and eliminating the central partitions.

photo_credit Erlantz Biderbost — Erlantz Biderbost

In the inner courtyard area there is a large fully fitted kitchen, with a central island and a large part of the furniture underneath, with a stone worktop in the same style as the island, creating a very spacious area. At the other end, in the outside area of the house, is the living-dining room. Both are joined by a distributor, embraced by a set of curved walls that sifts and softens the light, generating a beautiful play of light and shadow.

From the entrance to the house, one can appreciate the uniformity and continuity that is intended to be given to the whole of the house, using a natural washed oak floor, in a narrow format and laid with a loose joint.

The central axis of the home is the fireplace, made to measure and designed by the studio, which acts as a dividing element between the two spaces, living-dining room, without interrupting the visual continuity and generating two large passageways on either side.

In the guest toilet, the aim was to achieve an elegant yet functional space. Its interior reflects, in reverse, the curve of the exterior distributor, generating fluidity and smoothness in the room. In this washroom we wanted to create a contrast between the black iron and ribbed glass joinery, which separates a charming shower, and the silk white walls.

In the hallway, a natural wood doorway frames the passage to the kitchen, a room in neutral tones that generates a sense of calm. We highlight the use of Tundra Grey natural stone and white lacquered cupboard doors, without handles. It will be the heart of the house, from where to have a general view of the rest of the rooms.

On the other hand, the living room continues the dialogue of shapes in the house, with a large curve that includes two symmetrical windows, one on each side, which bathe the room in light. Our favourite part.

The interior doors have been designed from floor to ceiling, to give a more vertical and high ceiling sensation. All the wooden joinery has a darker tone than the floorboards, to create a contrast between woods, which helps to limit each space and establish order in the home.

A dressing room completely clad in natural oak wood, with elongated handles of the same material to continue the sensation of verticality, leads to the bathroom and master bedroom.

The washbasin, in natural stone, has a large mirror above it, framed in the same oak as the cupboards. A black iron and ribbed glass door on either side of the washbasin leads to the shower and WC.

In the search for expression of pure forms and materials, we highlight the use of natural wood for the floors and natural stones such as Alba limestone or Marquina black, as well as Olivillo travertine used in washbasins and fireplace. With these materials as protagonists and the use of a minimalist aesthetic with bold geometric shapes, we combine the Brutalist style characteristic of the building.

The neutral architectural space is complemented by a selection of furniture that adds colour, personality and elegance. The projected style establishes the connection between the classic and the modern, with singular pieces, rigorously sought after to enhance the beauty of each space.

These pieces in warm, red and brown tones, in different shades, seek to continue with the discourse of connecting spaces and at the same time establish a homely feeling in the home.

De la Villa Studio is characterized by the search for specific pieces for each project, placing emphasis on design and balance with its surroundings.

FURNITURE AND CLADDING

TOILETS:

Washbasin in matt black Marquina marble, designed by De la Villa Studio.

Maier brushed nickel finish mirror-mounted washbasin mixer.

Black lacquered iron door with ribbed glass, custom designed by De la Villa Studio.

Shower enclosure cladding in beige porcelain tile in large format.

Original Italian milking stool from the 70's made of spruce wood, from the antique dealer Rue Vintage 74.

Painting by Antonio González, present in Alzueta Gallery.

Bespoke brass wall lamp, designed by De la Villa Studio.

KITCHEN:

Set of wooden kitchen units in matt lacquered finish with custom-made handles and Tundra Grey stone worktop and front, designed by De la Villa Studio.

Kitchen faucet in chrome finish, by Grohe.

Solid oak stools varnished in a dark matt tone, designed by De la Villa Studio.

Decorative set of napkins, wooden cutting board and pitcher with black stripes, by antique dealer Rue Vintage 74.

Set of ceramic tableware and glass elements, designed by De la Villa Studio.

Painting by Isidre Enrich and Liam Stevens, present in Alzueta Gallery.

HALL:

Olivillo travertine fireplace with lower base, designed by De la Villa Studio.

Chester sofa upholstered in white linen fabric with piping and knotted tassel in cotton, by Rue Vintage 74 antique dealer.

Handcrafted, organically shaped coffee table in recycled fibreglass in matt white, by antique dealer Rue Vintage 74.

Tung JA3 side table, designed by John Astbury for &Tradition, made of solid MDF milled and lacquered in high gloss burgundy red, present in Espacio Betty.

Handcrafted armchair with carved black wood frame and natural rope, by Rue Vintage 74 antique dealer.

Antiqued metal pedestal in black, from the Belén antique shop.

Solid oak base with water-based varnish, designed by De la Villa Studio.

Cherry wood sculpture by the antique dealer Berenis.

Painting by Antonio González, present in Alzueta Gallery

Natural jute rugs, from the antique dealer Rue Vintage

Red painting by Enrich R., present in Alzueta Gallery

Set of Louis stools upholstered in antiqued velvet with goose down cushion, by Studio Bañón

Textile elements, such as cushions and blankets, from the antique shop Rue Vintage 74.

DINING ROOM:

Black mosaic dining table with black metal structure, by antique dealer, Rue Vintage 74.

Set of 4 white bouclé upholstered chairs with black metal frame, by Rue Vintage 74 antique dealer.

Normal chair with arms designed by Andreu Carulla for Isist Atelier, made of ash wood with Nobul leather seat in dark beige, present in Espacio Betty.

Decorative set of alabaster pieces from different periods, by the antique dealer Berenis.

Céline Wright's Nube ceiling lamp with hanging stone, made with the washi technique on Japanese paper, from the antique dealer Rue Vintage 74.

Antiqued wooden columns, from the antique dealer Rue Vintage 74.

Painting by Liam Stevens, present in Alzueta Gallery.

Ripples wooden bench designed by Toyo Ito for Horm, made of solid wood, present in EspacioBetty.

Sculptural floor lamp with conical brass base and Murano glass shade, handmade in Italy by the antique dealer Rue Vintage 74.

Paintings by Alejo Palacios, present in Alzueta Gallery.