Casa Olivar
Location:Madrid
Client: Private
Size: 60.sqm
Status: Completed August 2022
Design Team: Matteo Ferrari, Carlota Gallo
Photography: Asier Rua
In the heart of Madrid, a small architecture called 'Casa Olivar' is born, named by its own creators. Rescued from a state of ruin and a turbulent past, the aim is to breathe new life into the space by adding layers, rewriting its history, and thus generating new memories.
The project was conceived as a living and ever-transforming object, where different stages and uses can find their place. In this context, during the renovation, the premises were transformed into an unconventional exhibition space for the NoDo event; a silent, closed-door event that invited a select group of Madrid designers to reflect on how we conceive light from darkness.
The transition to a residential space is spontaneous and essential, rescuing the identifying features of the architecture and providing a new narrative. A "non-urban" space, a sensory refuge to reconnect with oneself, regulate emotions, and detach from the hustle and bustle of the outside world.
Characterized by spatial continuity and warm minimalism, the intervention aims to elevate natural light and make room for the use of locally crafted materials, creating a close dialogue between light and materiality.
Creating a luminous and visual connection to achieve the greatest sense of spatial openness and connection to the outside world. Natural light sources are visible from every point in the house, creating an ambiance characterized by soft nuances of light and shadow.
The approach is to be honest with the materials used, respecting their authentic appearance and textures, prioritizing natural resources and local craftsmanship. A design with strong lines and pure geometries engages in a delicate dialogue with a palette characterized by earth tones and textiles, the real protagonists of the space with their shades and transparencies.