Located in the emblematic Justicia neighborhood in Madrid, this 300-square-meter apartment overlooks the Plaza de las Salesas. The project seeks to adapt the traditional domestic space to a contemporary way of living, emphasizing the value of the existing materials while establishing a precise dialogue between architecture, functionality, and natural light.

Co-existing with tradition

The intervention reconfigures the interior while respecting the building’s original architectural character, unfolding between two complementary realities. On one hand, the presence of existing structural elements such as brick walls, wooden beams, and columns imbues the space with identity and historical memory. On the other, a contemporary design language is introduced to organize spatial uses and meet modern standards of comfort and functionality.

The design adopts an open-plan layout that enhances visual continuity and fluid transitions between spaces. The distribution is structured around a key architectural feature: the restored original brick wall, which runs throughout the apartment and acts as a unifying thread in defining the various zones of the home.

Living in 360 degrees of dynamism 

The apartment is conceived as a flexible and dynamic environment, capable of adapting to the changing rhythms of everyday life. Its openness toward the exterior perimeter allows for a constant influx of natural light, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere. Within this setting, spatial functions overlap and evolve according to the needs of its inhabitants.

To structure and hierarchize the living areas, the design incorporates a distinctive and dynamic furniture piece: a handcrafted, stainless steel rotating bookshelf. Capable of 360-degree rotation, this element transforms spatial perception, organizes functions, and enables multiple configurations within a single room.

Permanent features, such as the kitchen, bathrooms, and storage systems, are precisely integrated to free up the remaining space and reinforce a sense of openness. The use of stainless steel in fixed furnishings establishes a direct dialogue with the existing materials, giving the interior a contemporary, sober, and timeless character.

Comfort as a design strategy

The project incorporates high-efficiency energy systems and includes the integration of two interior courtyards that enhance ventilation and thermal comfort. One of these courtyards is transformed into an indoor garden with native vegetation, offering a space for relaxation and well-being while strengthening the relationship between architecture and nature.

San Lucas emerges as a residential proposal that engages in dialogue with both its inhabitants and the city. The intervention revives the original spirit of the building while adapting it to a modern way of living, where history and contemporary design coexist in balance. Guided by a thoughtful and context-sensitive approach, the project stands as a model of responsible design—where innovation and sustainability come together to create a unique and fully livable space.