House J29 Renovation by SUAV: A Colorful and Cohesive Transformation in Madrid

Located in the heart of Madrid’s Embajadores neighborhood, House J29 is a striking example of how thoughtful renovation can turn a dated, compartmentalized home into a dynamic, fluid living space. Designed by architecture studio SUAV, the 915 ft² apartment from the 1970s has been completely transformed with a focus on spatial integration, bold use of color, and functional design—all while staying within a tight budget.

At the core of the renovation lies an open-concept kitchen with a custom industrial island, designed to anchor the new layout both visually and functionally. This central element becomes the project’s soul, connecting the living space with the rest of the home. The kitchen is seamlessly linked to the terrace, while mirrored doors behind the island expand the sense of space and reflect light throughout the interior.

Architectural Approach & Materiality

The renovation celebrates horizontal and vertical lines through meticulous carpentry work. Warm wood tones emphasize horizontal continuity, while a vibrant green accent is used on vertical surfaces to create a unified visual language. The kitchen island appears to levitate above the porcelain tile flooring, thanks to carefully considered diffuse lighting, reinforcing the sense of lightness and openness in the room.

An essential feature is the bespoke metallic frame that supports the kitchen hood—also visually highlighting a structural iron pillar beneath a concealed seven-meter beam. This architectural gesture maintains an industrial aesthetic while preserving structural integrity.

Color, Culture & Cinematic Inspiration

House J29 takes visual cues from the saturated, expressive color palettes seen in Pedro Almodóvar’s films, such as Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! and Pain and Glory. Acid and primary colors are used not just for aesthetics, but to evoke emotion and cultural identity. References to Andalusian design traditions are evident, enriching the apartment’s character and deepening its connection to its inhabitants.

In the bathroom areas, SUAV employs yellow ceramic tiles with dark grout lines, creating contrast and vibrancy. Yellow is a recurring color in the studio’s projects, symbolizing energy, joy, and vitality—perfect for energizing early mornings. Meanwhile, the use of green in cabinetry unifies design elements throughout the home.

Functional Enhancements

Translucent glass panels between the study and hallway allow natural light to flow across spaces, enhancing brightness and reducing the need for artificial lighting. Clever storage solutions, like built-in green cabinetry and a latticework partition with integrated shelving for plants, add utility and privacy in the main bathroom area.

Greenery is thoughtfully placed throughout the apartment, reinforcing a connection with nature and improving indoor air quality. Every design move in House J29 serves both a practical and poetic purpose.

The Renovation Challenge

The project’s main challenge was to reconfigure the space into a central orthogonal living area with direct access to a master suite and home office—without losing the character of the original structure. The green-accented kitchen island acts as a spatial anchor and visual staple, discreetly integrating access points to private rooms.

This renovation showcases how modest spaces can achieve remarkable transformation through design that blends structure, storytelling, and sustainability. House J29 proves that with creativity and cohesion, even small homes can reflect big personalities.

All the photographs are works of SUAV