Former Fur Shop Becomes a Compact, Light-Filled Home in Madrid

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In Madrid on a residential block, BURR Studio has turned a disused fur shop into Benito – a modern, efficient home for two that balances openness with a clever spacial layout. The architects approached the small space as both a technical challenge and a design opportunity, crafting a layered interior that makes the most of its unusual split-level plan and spatial quirks inherited from the building’s commercial past.

The building’s distinctive “L”-shaped section defines its layout and atmosphere. The lower band, at street level, rises to an airy height of roughly 13 feet, creating a generous volume for the main living area. Above it, the mezzanine level sits about 5 feet 11 inches higher, forming a raised platform that allows cars to pass below on their way to a shared basement garage. This clever structural arrangement divides the home into two parallel zones: one public and open to the street, and another more private and retreat-like above.

Minimalist kitchen with a stainless steel island, a white staircase leading to a loft with bookshelves, and an exposed concrete column. Light floods in from a door at the back.

At the intersection of these two areas stands the project’s defining feature – a clean white staircase that serves as both sculptural focal point and practical storage hub. Beneath its geometric form, BURR Studio hid a compact bathroom and a series of stepped compartments that follow the slope of the stairs. These concealed storage units house essentials like kitchen appliances, pantry items, and cleaning supplies, maintaining a seamless, uncluttered appearance. The compact bathroom tucked below feels almost like something aboard a train or airplane – efficient and just the right size.

Minimalist interior with white stairs, a concrete pillar, built-in wooden bookshelves filled with books, and a simple wooden bench.

A modern, minimalist interior with white cabinetry, a stainless steel sink, and a staircase leading to a mezzanine with a large bookshelf.

A small, minimalist bathroom is integrated under a staircase, featuring a toilet, a compact sink, and a wall-mounted illustrated sign.

Minimalist kitchen with white stepped cabinetry, an induction cooktop on a stainless steel island, and neutral-toned walls.

Minimalist kitchen with open white shelving displaying dishes, glasses, ceramics, and decorative objects; a sleek metal countertop is in the foreground.

Circulation flows through the home in a U-shaped loop, beginning at the entrance and wrapping through the living areas before returning to the front facade at the upper level. Large openings at both ends of the home promote natural cross ventilation and draw daylight inside. Each level also opens to outdoor spaces: the lower connects to a communal patio, while the upper level spills onto a more private terrace designed.

Minimalist kitchen with white walls, open shelving holding dishes and containers, a stainless steel sink, and white staircase railing in the foreground.

Minimalist living space with a white sofa, round white side table, light blue modern chair, beige walls, and a white railing overlooking a lower level with shelves.

Minimalist living space with a white sofa, round wall light, blue chair, and white metal railing overlooking a lower level. Neutral tones and simple, modern furniture are featured.

A restrained color palette enhances the project’s sense of calm. Smooth white surfaces bounce light, making the modest footprint feel more expansive. Against this backdrop, a central wooden structure introduces warmth and texture upstairs – an integrated system of wardrobes and bookshelves, along with a private full bathroom, separates the bedroom area from the living room.

Minimalist loft interior with neutral tones, featuring a white sofa, a light blue modern chair, framed artwork on the floor, and a railing overlooking the lower level.

Minimalist white interior with geometric steps, a framed art print, stacked magazines, a small sculpture, and a decorative lamp on display.

Minimalist interior with a light blue sculptural chair, framed artwork leaning against white steps, and decorative objects on the stairs in a neutral-toned room.

A modern living space with a white sofa, brown accent wall, round wall light, black floor lamp, and white railing overlooking a lower level.

To manage uneven ceiling heights and conceal shared building services, the architects introduced a half-barrel vault above the public-facing spaces. This soft, curving form lends a sense of visual unity to the compact dwelling.

A hallway with built-in wooden shelves holding books, a desk lamp, and a small sculpture; at the end are two monochrome artworks and a light blue chair.

A bedroom with a bed featuring pink pillows, a wooden headboard, a desk lamp, an alarm clock, a book, a small figurine, and a concrete pillar in a modern, minimalist interior.

A bed with pink sheets and pillows is placed against a wooden headboard, with two silver lamps, a clock, and small items on the headboard shelf.

A minimalist bedroom with built-in wooden wardrobes and a platform bed with a pink duvet and matching pillows, next to a reading lamp.

A minimalist bedroom with a pink bedspread, wooden wardrobes, built-in shelving, and an open doorway leading to a bathroom.

Minimalist living space with a white sofa, unique blue chair, small round table, wall clock, and adjoining terrace with orange chairs and a table. Large plant in the foreground.

A modern balcony with a sliding glass door opens to a minimalist living space with white walls, a sofa, a chair, potted plants, and an outdoor table with yellow chairs.

To learn more about Benito and BURR Studio, visit burr.studio.

Photography by Maru Serrano.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.





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