In a 47 sqm (506 sqft) apartment in Madrid’s Chamberí neighbourhood, architect Iñigo Palazón of DIIR removed every interior wall, turning the 1930s flat into a single, open‑plan space that relies on furniture and floor‑level changes to define zones.
Floor‑level platform reshapes the living area
The new layout centers on a U‑shaped granite platform that wraps the perimeter of the room. The lowered section houses a custom sofa that sits level with a planter‑box ledge, which doubles as a coffee table and a turntable stand. Behind the sofa, stainless‑steel shelving holds books, records and artwork, while the opposite side beneath the TV continues the platform with a low display area for lighting and special pieces. When guests stay, the sofa can serve as a bed, eliminating the need for a separate guest room.
Compact kitchen blends function with metallic finishes
The kitchen occupies a modest footprint but includes stainless‑steel countertops that can be cut on directly, and a matching steel splashback that extends into open display shelving above. IKEA cabinets receive custom timber fronts finished in a silver metallic coating. Tall silver units that conceal the fridge and freezer sit at the edge of the living space, short of the ceiling to preserve openness while providing storage. Light from a large kitchen window reaches the rest of the apartment, reinforcing the sense of continuity from sink to fridge.
The design’s reliance on furniture rather than walls creates a fluid transition between cooking and living. It also presents challenges for privacy and acoustic separation that residents will address over time.
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Freestanding storage unit defines bedroom and dining zones
A double‑sided storage unit replaces a traditional wall, separating the kitchen, dining and bedroom areas. On the bedroom side, a two‑step rise lifts the sleeping zone, and a recessed niche functions as a bedside table with power outlets. The opposite side offers cupboards for cookware, tableware and personal items. This arrangement allows the bedroom to remain visually open while providing a distinct sleeping platform without a door.
Bathroom continues the metallic theme with micro‑cement finishes
Accessed through a metallic door off the bedroom, the bathroom is clad entirely in micro‑cement. Hidden LED lighting washes the walls in warm tones, and a stainless‑steel basin sits above a granite countertop. The shower and toilet are positioned one step lower than the sink, subtly distinguishing each area. A full‑height mirror is fixed to the back of the bathroom door, serving both occupants inside the bathroom and those in the bedroom when the door is open.
Separate laundry keeps utilities out of sight
A silver‑finished door leads from the dining space to a compact utility room.
The result, known as Casa VA, showcases how strategic furniture placement and subtle level changes can replace traditional walls, offering a unified yet functional living environment.
