Bernabéu Apartment | StudioMadera

Located in the Chamartín district of Madrid, this small 38 m² studio flat is conceived as a serene domestic space where architecture, materiality and light come together to create an atmosphere of calm within a highly compact footprint.

The intervention is based on a clear idea: to reduce compartmentalised spaces to a minimum, leaving the bathroom as the only enclosed room in the dwelling. In this way, the rest of the flat is organised as a fluid sequence in which each element fulfils multiple functions without interrupting spatial continuity.

To differentiate the sleeping area from the rest of the space, a raised platform was designed to integrate the bed, creating a subtle transition between zones. A system of curtains provides privacy when needed without compromising the sense of openness typical of a studio.

One of the main elements of the project is the large bespoke oak wardrobe, whose doors are inspired by traditional Japanese shōji panels, made with a timber structure and rice paper. This feature introduces a subtle reference to Japanese architecture while filtering the light to create a soft, diffused atmosphere.

The lightweight shelving unit positioned between the entrance and the sleeping area acts as a visual filter, organising the space without blocking views or the flow of natural light.

The materiality of the project seeks to reinforce a direct relationship with nature. Walls and ceilings are finished with clay and lime, creating continuous, lightly textured surfaces that envelop the interior with an organic quality. This texture allows light to glide across surfaces, producing shifting nuances throughout the day.

In the bathroom, conceived as a space for retreat and wellbeing, an overhead panel recreates the effect of an artificial skylight capable of simulating circadian light cycles. This technology makes it possible to adjust the colour temperature and intensity of light according to different times of day, producing a more energising illumination in the morning and a warmer, more relaxing ambience at dusk.

Natural stone on the worktop, sisal flooring, linen textiles and washi paper further reinforce this pursuit of honest, natural materiality.

The result is a compact space in which architecture, light and material come together to create a calm, timeless domestic refuge within the city.