We like to work with colour as an architectural element capable of visually delineating spaces without the need for physical partitions. The use of textures also allows a play of light and shadows that give the surfaces the feeling of greater depth against the flat surfaces.
Antonio Mora and Eduardo Tazon
To create the illusion of several independent spaces in the open 58sqm/624sqft floor plan, the architects used monochrome colours to demarcate each key living area, inspired by the traditional colours of the surrounding building façades. Each distinct area has been decorated with low-cost aluminium roof ridge panels known as cumbreras, replacing what would otherwise be smooth walls with colourful concertina-like folds.
A baby blue curtain, immediately visible from the mint-green entrance, flows around the living area. Its folds replicate the undulations of the aluminium panels, “giving the impression that the apartment [is] made of pockets of gathered fabric.” It adds a visual softness to the room, accentuated by a white metallic ceiling light offering its own concentric ripples. When fully extended around the living area, the curtain provides acoustic insulation and privacy — ideal for transforming the space into a second bedroom for guests.
Five floor-to-ceiling cabinets beside the living room resemble a magnified version of the aluminium ridges. Ingeniously, they are cleverly angled to preserve the apartment’s clean lines when seen from its entrance, while still providing a generous amount of open shelving and storage.
Next to these shelves, a recessed kitchen is washed in a vibrant lime green. A large black granite countertop contrasts with the green, while two hidden pantries on either side of the kitchen counter conceal large appliances. The absence of overhead cabinets draws attention to the ridged wall panels that envelope the kitchen countertop, adding a textural counterpoint to the kitchen’s otherwise smooth and sleek surfaces.
Adjacent to the kitchen, a recessed dining area in buttercup yellow includes a custom dining table in the same hue. When not in use for dining, the table can be pushed into the yellow niche to double as a study desk; a considered way to retain flexibility and maximise floor space.
For the private areas within the apartment, Mora and Tazon chose to diverge from the rich colour palette of the public spaces, instead embracing more neutral tones, to create a serene and intimate space. The bed’s custom headboard serves as a visual contrast against the pale white bedroom walls; upholstered in a dark grey fabric and integrated with two floating reading lights.
In place of a conventional door, a striking canary-yellow walk-in closet can be concealed with white curtains, maintaining continuity with the blue curtain in the living room and adding a layer of depth and texture to the otherwise minimalist room.
In the adjoining bathroom, dark triangular charcoal grey ceramic tiles surround the oval mirror, giving the illusion of it floating in mid-air. At the client’s request, a bathtub was removed for more space and functionality, and replaced instead with a large white-tiled shower and extended to add two entrances; one from the entrance hallway and one from the bedroom.
We try to avoid the concept of an “open white box”, and we bet on strong colours as a resource to amplify the spaces.
Mora and Tazon
Using a mix of vibrant, saturated hues in a small space might seem initially daring, yet the architects have masterfully imbedded their signature touch of bold, bright colours without overwhelming the simple, meticulously designed apartment.
For two other colourful Spanish apartments designed by gon architects, check out Casa Gialla and Sola House.
Images by NeverTooSmall & Studio Noju
