In the heart of one of Madrid’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, a former industrial space has been transformed into a symbol of modernity and a creative approach to interior design. A former warehouse for hydraulic materials, until recently abandoned and forgotten, today shows its full potential as a residential complex that combines history, industrial character and contemporary aesthetics.
Until a few years ago, this area was part of a semi-industrial zone where small factories, workshops and warehouses operated, creating a specific working atmosphere. The decision by the city authorities to transform the former motorway into a green corridor – full of trees, parks and extensive green spaces – has given a new dynamic to this part of Madrid. Changing the function of media and industrial spaces to residential was a natural step, responding to the growing demand of young families and singles for modern, well-located urban living.
The modern concept
The Warehouse Apartments project refers respectfully to history and turns an industrial building into a modern place to live. The architects focused primarily on bright, airy interiors in which natural light plays a central role. The austere grey that once dominated the building has given way to a distinctive colour palette – yellow, blue, green or orange accents appear throughout. Significantly, the original structural elements, such as pipes and steel beams, have been preserved and then metamorphosed – repainted in an intense yellow colour, a symbolic reference to the site’s past and an emphasis on its unique history.
Materials and details
Each of the eight flats, each approximately 40 square metres in size, has been designed with maximum functionality and the comfort of the residents in mind. The design solutions involve the use of natural materials such as wood and brick with a warm, reddish hue. An additional element emphasising the modern character of the interiors are polished ceramics, which add elegance to the space. Each flat also has storage space in the basement of the building, which makes it easier to organise the space. Large windows let daylight into the interiors while offering views of the green areas, providing a unique contrast to the building’s industrial heritage.
The social dimension of revitalisation
The Warehouse Apartments’ transformation is not only a physical change, but also a social one – the revitalisation has transformed a once austere, industrial site into a youth-friendly place where modernity meets history. The new tenants, both couples and singles, bring a fresh, dynamic energy to the building. It is an example of how thoughtful interior design can influence the quality of life, creating a space that is not only visually stunning but also inclusive of the local community.
The Warehouse Apartments project demonstrates that the revitalisation of old spaces can be an inspiring example of how to harmoniously combine history with modernity. Thanks to a well-thought-out interior concept, traditional industrial elements have been given a new lease of life, while the functionality and aesthetics of contemporary solutions have guaranteed comfortable living at the highest level. This approach to architecture is proof that any place, regardless of its industrial origins, can become an oasis of life and creativity.
design: OOIIO Architecture
photos: Javier de Paz
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