In what can now be considered a residential neighborhood of Madrid, an old warehouse for plumbing and construction materials, which had been unused for years, has been transformed into a lively and colorful residential space. The project, named “Warehouse Apartments” and overseen by OOIIO Architecture, marks the rebirth of this iconic building, reflecting the change and evolution of the urban environment surrounding it.
A few years ago, this warehouse was part of a semi-industrial area next to a major highway, where small factories, workshops, and warehouses coexisted with the workers from these companies and many others. However, the city decided to transform the highway into a green corridor, covering the asphalt with trees, parks, and expansive green areas. This change turned the working-class neighborhood into an attractive place where new families wanted to settle. Over time, the factories and workshops moved elsewhere, leaving behind large vacant spaces like this warehouse, which became completely dislocated.
In response to the growing demand for housing in this revitalized neighborhood by the Manzanares River in Madrid, the opportunity arose to reinvent this warehouse and transform it into a complex of modern apartments. The Madrid-based architecture firm responsible for the project has converted a grey industrial space into 8 apartments, each approximately 430 square feet.
However, this was not just a physical transformation; it was also a renewal of identity. Vibrant colors replaced the industrial grey, introducing a palette of yellows, blues, greens, and oranges, while still respecting the site’s history. The original warehouse pipes and structures, instead of being removed, were carefully integrated into the design and painted yellow, serving as a reminder to residents that this once-functional and grey space has a story to tell.
The new apartments offer a unique and modern housing option, respecting the essence of the original warehouse while featuring an updated design that prioritizes natural light, comfort, and efficient use of space. The new homes, equipped with everything necessary for contemporary living, have been built with wood, reddish brick, and glazed ceramics to make them inviting and modern. From their windows, residents enjoy views of the trees and parks surrounding the neighborhood, a luxury that seemed unimaginable just a few years ago.
Photography by Javier de Paz.
Like what you see? Get it first with a subscription to aspire design and home magazine.