There are many approaches to transforming attics into usable living space, but this attic apartment renovation in Madrid stands out as a particularly original solution. Designed by Marcos Duffo and Mariana de Delás, the project converted a cramped, poorly arranged unit—once full of unnecessary partitions—into a bright, flexible home ideal for rental use. The new concept gives the impression of finding a house within the shell of an apartment, a clever spatial gesture that sets this conversion apart.
The renovation began by removing all interior partitions and outdated fixtures, then reconsidering the size and placement of skylights. This simple but decisive strategy immediately improved natural ventilation and brought a greater sense of spaciousness and daylight to the 58-square-meter plan. The layout was reorganized into two clear zones: a public, open area that contains the kitchen, dining and living functions, and a private zone with two compact ensuite bedrooms. It’s the precise execution of this straightforward program—rather than complexity—that captivates.
Central to the concept is a newly conceived volume that sits within the apartment: a compact, slanted-roof box clad in glossy white and a vivid Mediterranean blue. This “room-within-a-room” forms two small but efficient bedroom units, each with an attached bathroom, and creates a strong focal point inside the larger open plan. Sliding doors cleverly reveal the bedrooms and bathrooms when needed, and conceal them to restore the unity of the public area when desired. The result is a highly versatile apartment that can function as a straightforward rental or be adapted by tenants to suit different uses.
The combination of sloping ceilings and strategically placed skylights creates an evenly distributed layer of daylight and encourages cross ventilation throughout the interior. Glossy white surfaces amplify the incoming light, while the signature blue adds a cheerful Mediterranean tone that enlivens the compact space. Many of the apartment’s surfaces and details are kept minimal and reflective so that light travels deep into the plan, making the whole apartment feel larger and more welcoming.
Visual connections between the private and public spaces were preserved through internal windows and openings in the new volume, allowing bedrooms to feel private while still connected to the living area. This visual permeability, together with sliding doors, gives future occupants flexibility: the living area can be personalized and rearranged without compromising the compact efficiency of the sleeping units.
Material choices and a restrained palette enhance the sense of freshness. Bathrooms and the kitchen use bright accents—yellow paired with blue and white—to add personality without overwhelming the modest footprint. The kitchen, integrated into the open plan, introduces a playful dash of yellow against classic blue and white, while bathrooms echo the same lively but composed color story.
Overall, the project demonstrates how thoughtful spatial restructuring, daylight optimization, and a concise material strategy can transform a neglected attic into a comfortable, market-ready rental. The “apartment within an apartment” idea provides privacy and order while the open public area remains flexible for tenants to personalize. It’s a resourceful model for making the most of limited square footage while delivering a bright, characterful home.
Photography: Imagen Subliminal