We Call it the “Metalcore”
Architect Carlos Rebolo Maderuelo and his partner Alicia call it “Metalcore”: the green, perforated metal structure visible from everywhere in their 50sqm/538sqft flat. The idea, Maderuelo, a co-founder of Madrid-based taller CRAC, explained to Never Too Small, was to make the home “much more open and bright” by concealing most of its main services within a central structure. Moving from the bedroom through the living and dining space before wrapping into the home office, the so-called metalcore contains ample storage and a luxurious bathroom within.
The apartment is located in the northeast of Madrid at the inner edge of the Ciudad Lineal, an expansion project planned in the nineteenth century. Their building – near a large park famous for its almond trees – was constructed in the 1970s and it was obvious that their flat had not been renovated since. “It wasn’t really in bad condition, but it was dated”, explained Maderuelo. They began by removing all of the interior walls, adapting the space from a three bedroom apartment into a fluid, open-concept one bedroom.
A Perfect Balance of Cosy and Cool
The idea, as Maderuelo, explained, for the perforated metal stemmed from an “interest in exploring materials that are often found in larger scale buildings; to use these materials in a smaller home”. In addition to its uniqueness, the green, wavy metal that ultimately came to define the space strikes their desired balance of cosiness and cool. In both the bedroom and study – one a mirror image of the other – the metalcore provides generous storage that is not only concealed but also ventilated. In the bedroom, this is primarily used for clothing, while in the study it holds houseware items, books, and Maderuelo's CD collection.
The cool quality of the unit is offset by warm maple wood accents throughout the home in places like the entry, the kitchen cabinetry, and the sliding doors that close off the bedroom and study. The numerous plants shouldn’t be overlooked either: “We have a lot of plants”, noted Maderuelo. “We see them as inhabitants of the house, and of course, they are important to the design”. If that isn’t enough, for another pop of colour, one only needs to look to the yellow tiled backsplash in the kitchen.
It’s What Inside that Counts
For all the splendour of the metalcore’s exterior, what’s inside is equally notable: a spa-level bathroom. “We considered the bathroom as one of the most important rooms in the flat”, explained Maderuelo, accounting for the stylish tub and generous washbasin area featuring a large mirror, maple wood cabinets, and two terrazzo sinks – allowing them to get ready at the same time. The walls are lined with two types of tiles; one, a textured white and the other, a green ceramic in the same shade as the surrounding cube. What is so special about the space is that, even without any windows, it still gets a nice dose of natural light streaming in through the perforated metal walls.
The way Maderuelo and his partner see it, small space living is not only a great opportunity for experimenting with design but also for experimenting with a way of living life more sustainably and interconnected with community: “We always understand small spaces as great opportunities to experiment with systems that allow us to optimise every square metre”, he said. “Working with tiny places makes it possible to test solutions focused on sustainability, energy saving, and new models of social life”.
