Seeing Double: Casa Gracia in Madrid by Hanghar.

Hanghar has renovated a 1970s apartment in Madrid, transforming the 130 sqm space into two nearly identical dwellings. The research-oriented architecture firm utilised a doppelganger distribution to create two almost symmetrical apartments. The two interiors now offer a series of hexagonal rooms that are flexible in their programmatic operations.

Equally placed, symmetrical openings lead to different uses depending on their location in the plan. “Casa Gracia is a step forward in our exploration of inefficient plans and reinforces our goal to demonstrate the possibilities that spatial structures have in diluting domestic conventions,” Hanghar’s Director, Eduardo Mediero elaborates.

The project is understood as a spatial system indifferent to the site in which it is implemented, continuing the studio’s spatial strategy of previous projects. Casa Gracia pushes this idea further, introducing a second-tier system of interlocking anterooms that function at times as connecting hallways or storage.

A Blank Slate: Casa Rio in Madrid by HANGHAR.

Hanghar considers Madrid’s affordable housing crisis with this basic shell shell home that is easily customisable and affordable...

Hanghar took inspiration for these intermediary spaces from a series of existing architectural references including Louisiana Interiors, Gaudi’s Casa Vicens and Caccia Dominioni’s double doorways in Villa San Valerio. “The system, conceptually generic whilst physically specific, negates any relationship to perimeter, program nor orientation,” Eduardo continues.

The material palette was intentionally restrained, reduced to white walls and simple colour codes that differentiate the two homes. Lightweight and autonomous furniture contrast in bright, candy tones, breaking up the spatial monotony and mirrored surfaces amplifying the unique spatial system.

Interpreting the Sky: Madrid Apartment by Martin Pelaez.

With five windows framing the sky, the architect took inspiration from the changing colours and shapes outside—from sunset...

[Images courtesy of Hanghar. Photography by Luis Diaz Diaz.]