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Trafalgar 35 · Spain

· Hotels, Wellness

Co-living: sharing spaces

Trafalgar 35 is a building with modern and welcoming apartments in the heart of the Chamberí district.

The transformation is an example of how rehabilitation can turn an obsolete space into a modern and inviting building. Originally constructed as a hotel in 1960, this iconic little tower has been renovated to become a set of apartments that stand out for their innovative design and functionality.

The comprehensive renovation provided an excellent opportunity to maximize space. Despite the compact layout, the 31 apartments (each measuring 25 m²) prioritize interior spaciousness and natural light. Most of the apartments feature large terraces that offer privileged views of the tree-lined surroundings and the cityscape.

ARCHITECTURAL IDENTITY

Regarding the building’s exterior, the original volume has been preserved, along with its distinctive Madrid-style brickwork. To emphasize its verticality as a tower, the ceilings of the terraces have been lined with mirrors, and new materials have been introduced to enhance the façade’s architecture: natural stone on the commercial ground floor and permeable stainless-steel mesh railings. All these details give the building a fresh, updated architectural identity.

ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPT

The original hotel had nine floors, a ground-floor entrance, and two basements. The entrance floor was smaller as it shared space with a street-level pharmacy. The challenge was, where to locate the shared spaces? To avoid losing apartment space, it was decided to place the common areas—lounges, kitchen, and co-working—in the first basement. But not without first opening a large opening in the ground-floor slab, creating a massive street-level window that floods these spaces with natural light. The architectural quality is demonstrated by the boldness of this decision, a strategy quickly approved by the developer after seeing how previously dark basement space became valuable, well-lit square footage.

The interior design stands out for its contemporary and functional approach. Spatial expansiveness and natural light have been emphasized in each apartment, creating a welcoming environment that seeks harmony with touches of color, resulting in aesthetically appealing spaces.

IMPACT AND INTEGRATION WITH THE SURROUNDINGS

The renovation was carried out with a deep respect for the surrounding environment and the neighborhood’s identity. Original architectural elements have been preserved while innovative materials have been introduced, such as mirrored surfaces on the terraces that add vibrancy to the surrounding urban aesthetic. The building is much more than just a simple renovation; it represents an innovative model of co-living.

RENATURALIZING THE CITY

Reflective panels have been installed on the ceilings of all terraces, creating a surprising visual effect by bringing the street’s greenery up to all floors. This provides a more pleasant atmosphere to the spaces and a more naturalistic aesthetic right in the city center. Additionally, the distinctive Madrid-style brick has been retained on the façades. Small actions like these help to preserve and enhance the identity of our cities, while also promoting a healthier lifestyle.

KEY INFO

CLIENT
Welcomer Group

LOCATION
Madrid, Spain

ARCHITECTS
Belén Moneo, Jeff Brock

ARCHITECTURE TEAM
Yaiza Camacho, Francisco Blázquez

TECHNICAL ARCHITECT
Javier González, Jose Maria Lisa

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
Calter Ingeniería

FACILITIES ENGINEER
ATEI Consultores

CONTRACTOR
Construye Capital

INSTALLER
Grupo Proingec

AREA
1800 m²

PHOTOGRAPHER
Pablo Gómez-Ogando

PLANS AND DRAWINGS