The apartment renovated by Plutarco is occupied by a young professional couple and is situated on the fourth floor of a residential block, offering expansive views and abundant natural light. “The layout of the project was influenced by the original design. We decided to merge the living and dining areas with the kitchen while keeping the bedroom in its original location, and we relocated the bathroom entrance to enhance the flow of the space,” the design team explains.
Apartment in Madrid: A Modern Design Journey
The owner, an architect specializing in digital design, sought a vibrant redesign that transcended fleeting trends. “Collaborating with the owner was seamless, as he had a clear vision of his desires. We conducted an interview and requested his Pinterest inspiration board, which led us to pay homage to the iconic classics of the modern movement,” the team from Plutarco notes. They selected a color palette inspired by Villa La Roche, designed by Le Corbusier, a significant example of modern architecture.
The renovation showcases a visual delight that captures the transitional essence of the 1950s, marking the shift from midcentury design to the Space Age. The blue Ekstrem lounge chair seamlessly complements this aesthetic.
Villa La Roche serves as a prime illustration that the modern movement transcends the typical palette of whites, grays, and blacks. In fact, it embraces a vibrant spectrum of colors. This inspired our choice of a light blue ceiling, cream-colored walls, and pale pink microcement floors. The kitchen, centrally located within the apartment, features a blend of terracotta and maroon, creating a striking focal point, the team elaborates.
To enhance the project, we aimed to introduce contemporary elements, incorporating designs from Belgian studio Muller Van Severen and Danish brand HAY. The kitchen is adorned with 6×6-inch ecru tiles that match the countertop, while the bathroom features a maroon and blue checkerboard pattern. Additionally, we opted to preserve the original terrazzo flooring in the bedroom, the team adds.
This project reaffirms our understanding of Plutarco—the firm masterfully integrates color, functionality, and design, resulting in contemporary solutions characterized by their clarity and sophistication. Le Corbusier would undoubtedly have appreciated this apartment, as his legacy is intricately tied to advancements in urban planning and social housing. The Concepción neighborhood of Madrid is inextricably linked to its social housing, a connection that resonates within this apartment as well.
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