Casa Cientoonce: Masterful restoration of a historic Madrid home

The Casa Cientoonce project was born out of deep respect for early 20th-century Madrid residential architecture…

This house is part of one of the historic residential colonies that helped shape Madrid in the first quarter of the last century. Paradoxically, despite being built in the 1920s under the 1921 Affordable Housing Law, decades of ownership changes and modifications had significantly altered its original structure. An excess of layers and additions had obscured the home's authenticity, making it difficult to perceive its original architectural essence and rural proportions.

To restore its essence, the interior was stripped down, revealing the stunning Catalan vaulted ceilings, a rare feature in Madrid. Following meticulous restoration, these vaults became the key architectural highlight, reinstating the house’s historical significance. Additionally, original passageways were recovered, enhancing the building’s structural integrity and reestablishing a more authentic connection between rooms.

The materiality of the project relies on the expressiveness of raw materials. The original brickwork remains dominant, complemented by warm oak tones in the flooring, furniture, and woodwork. Crisp white walls illuminate the interior, creating a harmonious contrast between historic and contemporary elements.

Executed in collaboration with ZOOCO ESTUDIO, a firm dedicated to preserving Madrid’s architectural heritage, the project places special emphasis on lighting design, accentuating the beauty of exposed vaults and authentic materials. The Casa Cientoonce restoration serves as a prime example of how carefully planned interventions can preserve historical character while adapting a space to modern living needs.