Industrial chic

The renowned architecture firm Arquid, with offices in Madrid and Barcelona, was commissioned to fully refurbish a 140 m2 apartment in the heart of Salamanca. As a first step in the project, the team analysed the daily needs of future users. It quickly became clear that emphasis should be placed above all on "public" spaces where guests are received and looked after. A great deal of attention was therefore paid to the kitchen as a central focus, a hub for social interaction. Next comes the living room, which runs along the main façade of the house, benefiting from an abundance of natural light.

The entire design of the apartment sends a clear message: no frills; style is defined here with sharp edges. The exposed ceiling beams and heating pipes, as well as the shelving systems, which are also made of steel, all in black matt, contribute to this. Exposed, carefully restored brick walls are evidence of earlier times and the solid, dark wooden floors exude robust durability. A particular highlight is the kitchen, with a free-standing stainless steel island – a beacon of industrial style that effortlessly balances coolness with welcoming cosiness. Matching bookshelves and kitchen shelves contribute to the former, while mood lighting and colourful seating add lively accents to the cosy aesthetic.

The decision to keep the cast-iron ribbed radiators, which heat the building while preserving the old-school style, also helps to preserve the history and spirit of the building. Having also been painted in black matt, they fit with the overall concept style and look almost sculptural. Gira switches and socket outlets are styled in the same way, yet at the same time bring a fresh new look. For example, in the living room the Gira Studio surface-mounted design line in black glass, together with its wires, lies exposed on the plaster as a design statement. In the bathrooms, by contrast, they take more of a back seat, just defined points on the exposed concrete walls or brightly coloured tiles. In any case, however, they are more than just necessities. They are a striking part of a highly sophisticated design that leaves nothing to chance. Less is and always will be more.