A former fur shop in Madrid has been transformed into an innovative compact home called Benito, showcasing how creative design can maximize small urban spaces. BURR Studio, the architectural firm behind the project, approached the 646-square-foot space as both a technical challenge and a unique design opportunity, creating a modern two-level residence that cleverly balances openness with privacy.
The building's distinctive L-shaped configuration defines both its layout and atmosphere. The lower level, positioned at street level, features an impressive ceiling height of approximately 13 feet, creating a generous volume for the main living areas. The mezzanine level sits about 5 feet 11 inches higher, forming a raised platform that allows vehicles to pass underneath on their way to the shared basement garage. This structural arrangement effectively divides the home into two parallel zones: a public area open to the street and a more private, retreat-like space above.
At the heart of the design stands a sculptural white staircase that serves as both the project's defining visual feature and a practical storage solution. Beneath its geometric form, BURR Studio ingeniously concealed a compact bathroom and a series of stepped compartments that follow the staircase's slope. These hidden storage units house essential items including kitchen appliances, pantry supplies, and cleaning materials, maintaining the home's seamless and uncluttered aesthetic. The tucked-away bathroom feels reminiscent of efficient spaces found on trains or airplanes, maximizing functionality within minimal square footage.
The circulation pattern 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 residence promote natural cross-ventilation and flood the interior with daylight. Each level connects to outdoor spaces, with the lower level opening to a communal patio while the upper level extends onto a more private terrace.
The architects employed a restrained color palette to enhance the project's sense of calm and spaciousness. Smooth white surfaces reflect light throughout the interior, making the modest footprint feel significantly more expansive. Against this neutral backdrop, a central wooden structure introduces warmth and texture to the upper level. This integrated system combines wardrobes and bookshelves with a private full bathroom, effectively separating the bedroom area from the living room while maintaining visual flow.
To address uneven ceiling heights and conceal shared building services, the architects introduced a half-barrel vault above the public-facing spaces. This soft, curving architectural element lends visual unity to the compact dwelling while solving practical construction challenges. The vault creates a sense of continuity throughout the lower level and helps define the home's unique character.
The transformation demonstrates how historic commercial spaces can be successfully adapted for contemporary residential use. By working with the building's existing structural constraints rather than against them, BURR Studio created a home that feels both intimate and spacious despite its compact dimensions. The project serves as an example of innovative urban living solutions, particularly relevant as cities worldwide grapple with housing density and space optimization challenges.
