By Ondarreta Beach in the coastal town of San Sebastian, Spain, Mikeletes was a dark and dated apartment that suffered from low ceilings and a long hallway with maze-like connections to compartmentalized rooms. However, a recent renovation by Spanish firm Mecanismo, founded by Marta Urtasun and Pedro Rica, transformed it into a light-filled flat with the use of simple materials—primarily wood and stone—and intriguing geometry, with the kitchen playing a starring role.

The firm reorganized the unit, moving the kitchen behind a glass wall. The kitchen now serves as a transition between public and private spaces—visually connected to the living room and dining room, yet separate from them. Inside, the space centers around a marble-topped island that features ample storage, and an area dedicated to laundry.

Mecanismo also created several pieces of multifunctional furniture to help organize the 2,152-square-foot apartment. “We designed the furniture as architectural elements with a functional contribution to the house, and not just as a decorative pieces,” explains the firm.

Some pieces, such as the storage cabinet that lines the entrance of the home, substitutes for traditional elements that are less functional—say, a partition wall. One of the firm’s favorite customizations is an oval breakfast table whose chairs are discreetly stored when not in use.

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Project Credits:

Architect of Record: mecanismo, Marta Uratasun, Pedro Rica
Interior Designer: mecanismo

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This Revamped Apartment in Spain Proves That Storage Can Be Sexy