Nestled within the historic center of Madrid, where narrow, winding streets weave through an organic urban fabric, a late eighteenth-century residential building stands proudly. Overlooking a quaint square and adjacent to a serene convent, this structure embodies the quintessential Madrid residential archetype, which would later influence the expansion of the Castro district in the nineteenth century.
The building, characterized by its five-story profile, features a mixed structure of brick load-bearing walls and timber framing arranged in parallel bays along the street. These closed blocks seamlessly open internally to courtyards, providing natural light to the interior spaces. The façades, adorned with plaster or brick and complemented by a mountain granite base cladding, exhibit a rhythmic order highlighted by vertical openings. Wooden balconies and wrought iron bay windows enhance the building's aesthetic, adding charm and detailing typical of the period.
Internally, the renovation responds thoughtfully to the specific needs of its inhabitants while respecting the spatial and material characteristics of the original architecture. A large library serves as a singular focal point, welcoming visitors upon entry and skillfully articulating the transition between the night area—overlooking the tranquil inner courtyard—and the day area, which faces the vibrant street.
The interplay of wooden flooring and classic-inspired joinery harmonizes with contemporary textures and patterns, creating engaging transitions through curved and folded shapes. From this conceptual and spatial core, various routes connect to other rooms, forming visual openings that emphasize key living spaces overlooking the square.
In the bathrooms and kitchen, continuous surfaces alternate with metal accents and exquisite Portuguese pink marble, bestowing a sense of classical solemnity that contrasts with modern elements and vibrant colors that invigorate the space.
This architectural project exemplifies a constant dialogue between the initial elegance of the historical residence and the new interventions. It introduces fresh elements that create a delightful distortion while maintaining an overarching harmony, ultimately enriching the experience of living within this storied building in the heart of Madrid.
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