Zooco Estudio’s Renovated Madrid Office: A Blend of Historic Charm and Contemporary Design

If you appreciate interiors that balance the past and present, the rugged with the refined, and the urban with the rustic, Zooco Estudio’s new headquarters in Madrid offers an inviting example. Housed within a building that dates back to the 1920s, the studio transformed a once-forgotten 140-square-meter flat into a bright, functional, and characterful office. The renovation celebrates the building’s original fabric while introducing contemporary details that make the workspace efficient and welcoming.

Simple industrial style lighting fixtures bring elegance to the interior while illuminating the space beautifully

The design approach was intentionally restrained: layers of plaster and paint were carefully stripped back to reveal and restore original construction materials. This process uncovered a variety of textures and surfaces—weathered wood floorboards, exposed concrete walls, and hidden moldings—which were conserved and integrated into the new layout. In rooms where more contemporary finishes were desired, modern elements were introduced thoughtfully so they sit in dialogue with the historic structure rather than overpower it.

Illuminated light sign of the Studio on the wall with exposed concrete finish

Custom trims and classic moldings remain visible in places, adding a sense of drama and craftsmanship. The interplay between old and new is deliberate: restored architectural details provide warmth and history, while pared-back furnishings and contemporary lighting lend a clean, professional tone suited to a creative office. Industrial-style fixtures and carefully planned illumination ensure meeting and dining zones feel special and well-defined.

Indoor plants add greenery to the space with ease

Indoor planting is used sparingly to introduce greenery and a softer, livelier atmosphere. Neutral hues and textured finishes—soft whites, warm wood tones, and exposed concrete—create an understated palette that highlights the revealed materials. The result is a calm, elegant interior that feels both current and rooted in its history.

Lighting fixtures ensure that the dining and meeting area feels exceptional

Where necessary, the design team reopened original openings that had been closed over time, restoring visual connections between different areas and improving circulation. Technical systems—electricity and data—were installed with transparency in mind: rather than concealing conduits, the team chose an exposed system of white tubes that integrates with the existing surfaces without altering them. This honest, visible treatment of infrastructure complements the overall aesthetic of revealed layers and material authenticity.

Different materials and textures were uncovered and highlighted inside the new Zooco Office

Contribute only what is necessary for the space to serve us to develop our work. In order to get this, the original openings that had been closed due to the time, are re-opened generating a fluid. About electricity and data installations, we carry these without having to hide anything from what exists, so, we opted for an exposed system of tubes in white adapting to the existing without modifying it.

Exposed textured walls and wooden floor create a warm and cozy setting inside the studio

The renovation keeps the program simple and focused: contribute only what is necessary to support daily work while reinforcing the building’s intrinsic qualities. The result is a contemporary office that feels lived-in and layered, where reclaimed surfaces and modern interventions coexist comfortably. This careful balance of preservation and adaptation gives the new Zooco Studio a distinctive identity—an office that respects its past as it supports present-day creative practice. Photography: Imagen Subliminal.