Freeing spaces from all superfluous elements and displaying building materials, using an austere and somewhat crude language, optimising the few available spaces. Doing more with less. This contemporary trend has motivations that are simultaneously based on the material, construction and economic aspects of a project.

In Madrid, in the prestigious Salamanca district, the Arquid studio follows this attitude for the renovation of a 140 m2 flat. The message of the project is clear: no frills. The spaces are characterised by the exposed brick walls, the raw materiality of the cement beams, the presence of the systems, whose channels are not hidden inside the masonry, and the essentiality of the shelving systems, in matt black steel. The architects thus choose not to hide the layering of time.

The decision to keep the cast iron radiators, which heat the domestic spaces while preserving an old school style, also contributes to preserving the history and spirit of the building. Moreover, having been painted matt black, they fit in with the overall style of the concept and have an almost sculptural appearance.

With the same design consistency, switches and sockets by the German company Gira were chosen, whose appearance follows the general style of the house but are distinguished by their refined design. For example, in the living room we find the Gira Studio collection in black glass, whose exposed cables contrast with the white plaster. In the bathrooms, on the other hand, we find just a few elements that dialogue with the exposed concrete or brightly coloured tiles. Gira's products not only serve to solve basic needs for every home, but become prominent elements of highly sophisticated design. They are proof that it is possible to ‘do more with less’.