Casa Cometa, This renovation project in Madrid was quite an unusual case. A poorly planned construction had left the roof on the verge of collapse. We proposed adding a second floor that would solve the structural issues while also creating a new livable space.
© Germán Sáiz
The biggest challenge was designing a roof that could function as a large inhabitable truss. It had to be lightweight, so as not to overload the structure, but also strong. Together with our structural engineer, Manuel Ocaña, we arrived at a highly precise solution: a lightweight tubular structure with anchor points distributed across the entire surface. By “atomizing” the supports, we avoided stress concentrations and gained rigidity, as if stitching the roof together.
© Germán Sáiz
The result was a structure that is both solid and light, while also adding a new space to rest or unwind, without compromising the home’s stability. The structure evoked a sense of weightlessness for me, like a kite floating in the air. That image inspired everything: the name, the materials, the colors… That’s how Casa Cometa was born. The idea of weightlessness guided all material choices.
© Germán Sáiz
Upstairs, we used sky blues and luminous creams to enhance the feeling of lightness. Downstairs, deeper, heavier tones—dark blues, wood, terracotta—visually anchored the space. In between, we introduced cool, reflective materials like mirrors, glass bricks, and steel to amplify the light and accentuate the sensation of a house that floats.
Project Info
Architects: bardo
Country: Spain, Madrid
Area: 63 m²
Year: 2024
Photographs: Germán Sáiz
Design Team: Raquel Calvo
Engineering & Consulting > Structural: Manuel Ocaña
Sophie Tremblay is a Montreal-based architectural editor and designer with a focus on sustainable urban development. A McGill University architecture graduate, she began her career in adaptive reuse, blending modern design with historical structures. As a Project Editor at Arch2O, she curates stories that connect traditional practice with forward-thinking design. Her writing highlights architecture's role in community engagement and social impact. Sophie has contributed to Canadian Architect and continues to collaborate with local studios on community-driven projects throughout Quebec, maintaining a hands-on approach that informs both her design sensibility and editorial perspective.