Madrid, with its deep-rooted history, thriving art scene and rich culinary attractions, is one of Spain’s most sought-after travel destinations. It is also home to some of the country’s most iconic architectural landmarks, including one of this year’s Coverings Installation & Design (CID) Awards honorees: Torres Blancas Unit 1040.
Receiving the ‘International Special Recognition’ CID honor, Unit 1040, designed by the local firm Studio.Noju, is a freshly renovated two-story residence located within the Torres Blancas high-rise.
Designed by architect Francisco Javier Sáenz de Oíz in 1961, Torres Blancas stands tall at 232 ft. and is distinguished by its cylindrical silhouette, clad in an exposed concrete facade. Inside, Studio.Noju transformed the celebrated apartment with an open floor plan and vibrant furnishings that balance the building’s history with the unit’s contemporary design.
Upon entering the apartment, guests are greeted by a semi-circular foyer that leads to the main living areas. The open-concept layout is enhanced by strategically placed curved partitions that maintain traffic flow and define each of the different living rooms. In the kitchen, an uninterrupted countertop outlines the room that provides ample workspace and adds to the charm of the home.
The heart and soul of this project are the terraces that were once integrated as part of the unit’s interior during successive renovations. The entire design plan revolved around embracing the original intention of these outdoor environments, beginning with the expansion of the apartment’s exterior area on the first floor from 161 sq. ft. to nearly 861 sq. ft., thus establishing the amount of outdoor space in the novel architectural plan.
This exterior expansion added new verandas that are marked by curved floor-to-ceiling glazed surfaces, embossed with tile by Spanish manufacturer, WOW Design.
The indoor-outdoor transition is defined by crimson slatted shutters that open to a lush oasis brimming with built-in benches, fountains and planters that extend along the concourse of the winding balcony, leading to a serene bathing area.
Through this project, Studio.Noju preserves the true intention of Torres Blancas and Unit 1040, of creating a “chalet in the sky”.
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