AIRY Reform by Fast and Furious Production Office – Transforming a Historic Madrid Bakery into a Contemporary Living Space

A Bold Adaptive Reuse in Madrid

AIRY Reform by Fast and Furious Production Office is a striking example of adaptive reuse architecture in Madrid’s historic Salamanca district. What was once an old bakery has been reimagined and transformed into a contemporary residence that merges industrial heritage with minimal, lightweight design.

The project not only revives an abandoned structure but also highlights the potential of sustainable architecture by preserving original materials while introducing innovative, cost-effective construction techniques.

Respecting the Past While Building the Future

One of the key design principles was to retain significant architectural elements of the original bakery. The anodized aluminum façade remains intact, as do fragments of the iconic tiled counter that once served local customers.

By focusing on the essentials, the architects eliminated unnecessary elements that disrupted spatial flow, creating a refined aesthetic of pure lines and functional planes.

A Radical Technical Approach

The construction methodology was both radical and efficient. The design imposed a strict condition: all new additions had to be built solely with 12–20 mm steel bars and basic solid pine planks, readily available online.

This constraint not only reduced costs but also emphasized lightness, precision, and flexibility in the design.

• Over 2,000 kg of redundant structural elements were removed.
• A suspension system of steel bars was introduced, holding essential features in tension.
• A staircase was designed and built without screws, relying entirely on structural ingenuity.

The result is a minimal yet resilient architectural language that blends innovation with practicality.

Custom Furniture & Flexible Design

The project extended beyond architectural intervention to include bespoke furniture design. Using the same steel bars and pine planks, the team designed:

• A mobile dining table adaptable to various needs.
• Open kitchen shelving that integrates seamlessly into the space.

This continuity ensures that every detail of the interior reflects the overall design philosophy of simplicity, modularity, and adaptability.

Living Light – An Architecture of Air and Structure

The AIRY Reform truly lives up to its name. By eliminating excess weight and unnecessary material, the project delivers a sense of openness and spatial clarity. Natural light floods the interior through expansive windows, enhancing the feeling of transparency and connection between old and new.

The resulting home balances industrial aesthetics with residential warmth, offering a modern living environment within a historical context.

The AIRY Reform project by Fast and Furious Production Office demonstrates how adaptive reuse in architecture can transform forgotten structures into vibrant, functional spaces. By embracing minimalist design, structural innovation, and sustainable practices, this project sets a benchmark for urban refurbishments in Madrid and beyond.

All the photographs are works of Fast&FuriousOffice