In the heart of Madrid, a historic gem has undergone a remarkable transformation, breathing new life into the city’s early twentieth-century residential architecture. Cientoonce House, nestled within one of the residential colonies that emerged during the first quarter of the last century, embarked on a journey of restoration and revitalization, led by the talented architects at Zooco.
The project emerged from a profound respect for the architectural legacy of Madrid, particularly the houses built under the “Law of Cheap Houses of 1921.” Despite its historical significance, Cientoonce House had accumulated layers of additions over nearly a century, obscuring its essence and rural charm. The challenge for Zooco was clear: to peel back the layers and reveal the authentic character of the building.
The architects from the architectural studio Zooco made a bold move by stripping away several ceilings, exposing the rare Catalan vaults, a feature not commonly found in Madrid but celebrated in other Spanish regions. Through restoration, these vaults became the defining elements of the intervention, restoring the building to its rightful place in history. Simultaneously, the project highlighted the mural character of the house, adding another layer to its rich narrative.
Materiality played a crucial role in expressing the project’s essence. Original brick, a testament to the building’s history, was integrated with oak wood, gracing the floors, furniture, and carpentry. A timeless touch of white paint served as a unifying background, bringing cohesion to every room.
Zooco, an architectural studio founded in 2009 by Miguel Crespo Picot, Javier Guzmán Benito, and Sixto Martín Martínez, all graduates of the School of Architecture of Madrid, spearheaded this transformative project. The studio’s expertise extends across a broad spectrum, encompassing large-scale buildings to bespoke furniture design. Their commitment to tailored solutions and timeless design language define a studio constantly seeking new challenges.
Photo Credit: Imagen Subliminal