Viewing OOAA's projects is a moment of complete serenity. This Spanish studio, located in Madrid, founded in 2011, is directed by Iker Ochotorena, who was born into a family of architects with Mexican roots.
In his projects there is a demand for the creation of timeless and simple forms, in order to achieve a calm and protective atmosphere. Iker is a follower of minimalism, but far from the cold style that characterizes him so much. What moves it is the demand for the warm environment, to explore wooden materials or walls with artisanal finishes, such as stucco.
In the projects of this studio the decoration assumes a practical and simple role, without ever compromising the structural and spatial elements defined by the architecture.
Essentially monochromatic, textured and worn atmospheres seem poised to age. The imperfect is assumed, relaxed and valued to the point of becoming a perfect option.
The environments created by them seem to contain history, life, with correct proportions, right angles and without the loss of modernity. The vast majority have a handcrafted finish, with no baseboards or moldings on the doors.
The remodeling of this apartment, located in a busy area of Madrid, was inspired by the philosophy of Japanese origin Wabi-Sabi. An aesthetic centered on the acceptance of the imperfection caused by transience. The marks of time are taken advantage of and exalted in the aesthetics of the space. This style ends up being found with more or less presence in several OOAA projects.
Although carefully thought out, by the mastery of Iker Ochotorena, this project values the rustic, the imperfect, the monochromatic and the natural aspect.
In this small apartment the spaces are used to the maximum and are connected to each other, without the presence of corridors. The kitchen and living room share the same social area, creating a sense of continuity. The space is defined by a set of well-applied contrasts, such as the concrete floor as opposed to the textured walls in microcement, the lightness of the sisal carpets is compensated by the weight of the linen curtains, the wood of the doors and some pieces coexists with the smooth and minimalist cupboards.
The intervention of OOAA in this apartment, refurbished for a family with three children is phenomenal. Walls were demolished, new ones were created, corridors were avoided and the whole apartment was rethought giving rise to a new way of circulation and taking advantage of natural light.
Located in León, in northern Spain, where temperatures are colder, with an annual average of 10.9 ºC, with severe winters and frequent frosts, it was necessary to think of an apartment involved in heat.
This project illustrates well the main values of the OOAA studio, with an open, airy interior composed of natural elements that bring comfort to the space.
The room is located in the center of the floor, avoiding corridors and dark corners. In this social area the light tones of the linen curtains, or the chandeliers of the 70s Barber Houseare contrasted with black, applied in several pieces, such as the iconic chairs of the 50s, of Pierre Jeanneret. French designer, cousin and partner, of the famous Le Corbusier.
At the back of the room we can see a chain of Serge Louille, with four arms, with light lines, but with a strong visual presence.
The master bedroom and the children's rooms are separated by social spaces, so that they are distributed in the apartment without the need for corridors.
A well thought out apartment to accommodate the needs of the family by flexible spaces for socialization, entertainment and rest.
The mirrors with black metal structure by OOAA and the taps are from the brand Ola.
O closetof the master suite is a unique presence in the project. With the right to three windows and a generous area, they make this room more than a dressing room. It is the only possible entrance to the room, which at first may seem strange. In this way of accessing the room, I find two advantages. It further protects the room from noise from the living room, increases privacy and possibly faster access to storage. This intervention of OOAA in the circulation of space, makes it much more functional compared to the previous version.
Wood is a great resource for heating the atmosphere of a home. Part of the furniture in this apartment was created to measure, in bleached oak wood, the same used on the floor of the house and on the ceiling of the main room. Dark wood was used in the doors to give contrast. Natural materials are the favorites of Iker Ochotorena, who likes to apply them rationally in the spaces he creates.
