San Sebastian Apartment by Andrée Putman

It’s pretty incredible to think this space was designed and photographed in 2005, given the noughties was probably the least inspiring design era. But then again, we guess that’s what elevates it from good to excellent – its ability to make sense and look fresh no matter the decade. And that’s all thanks to the iconic woman behind its design, the late Andrée Putman. Located in seaside San Sebastian in Spain, this apartment is home to Jose Gabriel and Calparsoro Gorritxo. At the time, the couple were working in real estate and architecture respectively, but have since launched their own design firm, Studio555. Andrée Putman had long been their design icon, and on a whim, they reached out to see if she would be interested in designing their home. At the ripe age of 80, she said yes, and the three went on to collaborate to create the beautiful space we’re sharing today.

Famed for her elegant and pure approach to line, scale and form, Putman was born in 1925 and was one of the most celebrated designers of her time. We love that she was designing her entire life, retirement is simply not an option when someone is truly passionate about their craft. Reflecting on the San Sebastian apartment Gorritxo shares, “The Putman Method is visual, not working with blueprints or prospects. It was about visiting the space [at different times in different lights] to imagine the end result. Working with her was exciting. It was true interior architecture.”

The house was completely gutted, and the team went about filling it from scratch with volumes, axes, inversions, prospects and light plays. Optimising light was a priority, which saw an entire wall replaced with glass bricks – a simple, yet hugely effective idea. Most of the furniture and storage was custom-made, efficiently built-in as part of the architecture, like the suspended library shelving in the living room and the luxurious ‘room within a room’ bed.

The overall effect is a little Japanese and a little modernist in nature. We love the detailing and geometry in the kitchen, framed by sliding doors with fabric panels, and that’s easily the best looking bathtub we’ve ever seen. Shit hot. A restricted palette of oak flooring, walnut joinery, matte white walls and neutral soft furnishings add to the peacefully coherent yet impeccably detailed space. Putman was also happy with the project, at the time sharing, “It’s peaceful, solid and dignified. It’s not meant to impress people.” Nevertheless, it does. Even a decade on. And without doubt for many more to come.