Avorio Renovation: A Contemporary Transformation by Estudio Gonzalo del Val

The "Avorio Renovation" project by Estudio Gonzalo del Val represents an architectural reimagining of a traditional Madrid apartment from the early 20th century. This renovation, completed in 2022, skillfully balances historical elements with modern design principles, creating a harmonious living space that meets contemporary needs. The project’s design focuses on spatial unification, material contrast, and maximizing functionality while preserving key historical features. Located in the heart of Madrid, this renovation exemplifies innovative urban living.

Historical Context of Madrid Housing

At the turn of the 20th century, Madrid apartments were often characterized by elongated layouts, narrow corridors, and small interior courtyards. This architectural typology, while functional for its time, often resulted in inefficient use of space. The original state of the Avorio apartment followed this traditional pattern, with a series of disconnected rooms, long hallways, and separated domestic areas.

Previous Layout

The apartment originally featured:

• An entrance hall with a closet.
• A long corridor connecting the bedrooms, kitchen, and living room.
• A segregated kitchen space.
• A living room isolated from the rest of the home, facing the exterior facade.

This layout limited natural light, flow, and interaction between spaces, prompting the need for a comprehensive redesign.

The Design Approach: Unified Spaces and Functional Objects

Estudio Gonzalo del Val’s renovation strategy revolved around unifying fragmented spaces into a cohesive layout. By eliminating corridors and reducing unnecessary partitions, the design team reimagined the apartment as a series of interconnected rooms, each defined by unique architectural elements and materials.

Entrance Hall and Shelf Structure

The entrance hall was transformed into a multifunctional space dominated by a striking shelf installation. This inverted L-shaped structure, constructed from raw plywood panels with a vanilla-colored laminate finish, serves as both a spatial divider and a functional element. The shelf folds horizontally to create a ceiling of cells, integrating lighting and adding depth to the space. A built-in wardrobe supports the structure and enhances storage capacity.

Kitchen and Living Room Integration

The renovation merges the kitchen, entrance hall, and living room into a seamless, open-plan environment. The removal of partitions between these areas maximizes the use of space, creating a fluid transition from one function to another. The kitchen’s central countertop, strategically positioned, makes cooking a more interactive and enjoyable activity. This open design not only enhances functionality but also fosters social interaction.

Cherry Wood Cube: A Central Feature

A large cherry wood cube becomes the centerpiece of the living area. This structure, visible from multiple angles, integrates with the shelf in the entrance hall and serves as a unifying architectural element. Its rich, natural tones contrast with other materials, adding warmth and sophistication to the space.

Materiality and Design Details

One of the defining aspects of the Avorio Renovation is its use of diverse materials to distinguish different areas and functions within the apartment. The palette includes:

• Cherry wood: Used for the central cube and other wooden elements.
• Vanilla-colored laminate: Featured in the entrance shelf structure.
• Aluminum, marble, and ceramics: Applied selectively to enhance visual interest.
• Ivory and off-white tones: Providing a neutral backdrop that highlights the richness of other materials.

This intentional material heterogeneity brings texture, depth, and identity to each space.

Preserving Historical Elements

Despite the extensive redesign, the architects carefully preserved key historical features of the apartment. Elements such as the original wooden flooring, exterior carpentry, and decorative plaster moldings were retained and restored. These historical details coexist with modern interventions, creating a dialogue between past and present.

Exposed Metal Structures

During the demolition phase, previously hidden metallic structures were uncovered. These elements, installed during a previous reconstruction, were left exposed to add an industrial touch. In the living room, removing the false ceiling revealed a height of over three meters, enhancing the sense of space and openness.

Functional and Aesthetic Outcomes

The Avorio Renovation successfully redefines urban living by blending functionality with aesthetic appeal. By rethinking traditional layouts and incorporating bold design elements, Estudio Gonzalo del Val created a home that:

• Maximizes natural light and spatial flow.
• Encourages social interaction through open-plan living areas.
• Showcases a rich interplay of materials and textures.
• Honors the historical context of the building while introducing contemporary elements.

The Avorio Renovation by Estudio Gonzalo del Val exemplifies the transformative potential of thoughtful architectural design. By addressing the inefficiencies of a traditional Madrid apartment and introducing innovative spatial solutions, the project delivers a home that is both functional and visually striking. This renovation stands as a testament to the studio’s commitment to preserving history while embracing modernity, offering a blueprint for future urban renovations.

All Photographs are work of José Hevia