This Crisp Spanish Dwelling Makes Use of Every Nook and Cranny

In the town of Petrer in Spain’s Alicante province, Pablo Muñoz Payá Arquitectos has reimagined a home to provide more usable living space and hidden storage options for a family. Refurbishment for Niko, as the project is called, turns what was a divided space interrupted by pillars into an open-concept layout in 925 square feet.

"The decision to convert the kitchen and living room into a single kitchen/dining room/living room maximizes the usage of the space and allows for [the family] to host celebrations with even more people," says principal Pablo Muñoz Payá. 

Additionally, the connection of the three rooms allowed for Payá to include seating options with built-in storage, which further brings the formerly separate rooms together and addresses the family’s desire for sleek storage that doesn’t take up too much space. 

For the walls, Payá built an internal layer using insulation and topped it with white melamine paneling. This was finished with four-by-four strips of natural beech wood, which allowed for internal temperature regulation—something the original structure lacked. The beech wood strips also provide warmth to the space, contrasting with the cement flooring and stark white finishes. "We try to play with natural materials," says the architect.

"We also improved the quality of the windows and glass, and added more efficient heating and refrigeration systems," says Payá.

While the rest of the home is rendered in neutral tones, the kitchen and banquette seating feature a bold lime green. Says Payá, "We chose a strong color for the countertop and the details, which gives a freshness to the home," he says.

Related Reading: A Reinvented Terrace House in London Is Chock-Full of Clever Storage    

Project Credits: 

Architect of Record: Pablo Muñoz Payá Arquitectos