Excerpt: Teruel House by Jorge Borondo Estudio and Ana Petra Moriyón features the adaptive reuse of a former architecture studio by exposing its concrete structure to enhance light, flow, and spatial clarity. The design preserves the essence of the original space, blending raw materials with warm finishes. It is a versatile, open space that adapts to evolving needs, functioning as both a home and a dynamic backdrop for daily life.
Project Description
[Text as submitted by architect] Tetuán neighbourhood in Madrid maintains a unique blend of social and architectural diversity, typical of a district undergoing transformation, shaped by its position as a central yet peripheral area. In this changing context, it’s common to find vacant spaces, many of which feature large, open areas and striking reinforced concrete structures. A prime example of this evolution is Casa Teruel, a former architecture studio now reimagined as a home.
The transformation of this space starts with a fundamental idea: exposing the structure to enhance its spatial qualities and create a seamless connection between the two facades, linking the street to the inner courtyard while increasing natural light. The goal of the intervention is to preserve the essence of the original space, maintaining the strength of its concrete structure and blending it with materials that add texture, contrast, and functionality.
The exposed brick walls and scraped concrete structure preserve the space’s character, while birch wood in the furniture brings warmth and precision to the details. The existing flooring, salvaged and reinstalled, reinforces the overall character of the space, complemented by the solidity of limestone in the bathroom and the sleek stainless steel in the kitchen and railing. The seamless self-leveling mortar floor unifies the space, creating a neutral base that enhances both flow and light, further accentuated by mirrors in the jambs of the glass block windows.
The design focuses on openness and clarity, allowing the home to function as a dynamic backdrop for various activities: work, leisure, personal time, and new possibilities. A key feature is the pass-through bathroom with dual access, connecting the master bedroom and a flexible space that can serve different purposes. This space can transform from a home office to an extra bedroom, or even be incorporated into the living area to create a larger zone for gatherings and activities.
Casa Teruel is not just a home; it’s a versatile space that adapts to everyday life and evolves over time to meet the changing needs of its inhabitants, making it ideal for both daily living and hosting events.
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