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Alessio Lamarca and Marta Ciabattini Renovate 1960s Madrid Apartment with Curved Joinery and Bold Color

architecture-design · 2026-09-10

In the Imperial district of Madrid, architects Alessio Lamarca and Marta Ciabattini have revitalized a 48-square-meter apartment that had seen little change since the 1960s. The redesign, tailored to the daily habits of its future resident, converts the original three-bedroom configuration into two bedrooms, a bathroom, and an open living space featuring an American-style kitchen. Color was utilized as a building material, with coral, pink, deep blue, white, wood, and green delineating areas and pathways. A curved bar countertop, supported by a cylindrical column, enhances flow and includes a small bookshelf. Built-in wardrobes merge with existing structural columns, while a curved bookshelf in the primary bedroom adds softness. The project focuses on essential activities, creating a distinct architectural character within a limited space.

Key facts

  • The apartment is located in Madrid's Imperial neighborhood and measures 48 square meters.
  • Architects Alessio Lamarca and Marta Ciabattini led the renovation.
  • The original layout had three bedrooms, a living room, a separate kitchen, and one bathroom.
  • The renovation reduces the layout to two bedrooms, one bathroom, and an open living area with an American-style kitchen.
  • Color is used as an architectural element, with coral, pink, deep blue, white, wood, and green details.
  • A curved bar countertop supported by a cylindrical column replaces a conventional rectangular countertop.
  • Built-in wardrobes incorporate existing structural columns, and a curved corner bookshelf softens the primary bedroom.
  • Walnut wood and Marga lacquer create a material thread, while Ave lacquer introduces a shift in the closet.

Entities

Artists

  • Alessio Lamarca
  • Marta Ciabattini
  • Christina Vergopoulou

Institutions

  • CUBRO
  • designboom

Locations

  • Madrid
  • Spain
  • Imperial neighborhood

Sources