San Clemente Apartment, Transformation operations on existing homes have become, in recent years, one of the main fields of action for architecture studios, especially for those who are taking their first steps in a professional landscape as complex as the current one. This small apartment is located in the downtown area of the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Its elevated corner position next to an ensemble of heritage buildings gives it views over the city and nearby mountains.
© Flavio Dorta
The house, in its previous state, responded to a typology of little interest; very compartmentalized, with small rooms organized through a dark and narrow corridor. Starting from a program defined by the property that required two bedrooms, we opted for a simple strategy: to compact the service spaces and the bedrooms to free up space in the common areas. This way, the distribution of the house is modified, relocating the kitchen, and making it part of the new living-dining room. A continuous and bright corner space that offers views of the surrounding landscape is achieved.
© Flavio Dorta
During the analysis phase, we discovered some concrete hanging beams that remained hidden in cladding and cabinets. Their presence was such that we chose not only to show them devoid of coverings, but they helped to structure the new organization of the house. A continuous cladding of birch wood differentiates the private areas from the common ones and allows us to solve the access doors and storage spaces with the same material.
© Flavio Dorta
A 20×20 cm hydraulic pavement has been chosen, placed at 45º, reminiscent of the floors of popular housing in the neighborhood. In addition, some Carrara marble bands are added that reproduce the structural scheme of the hanging beams and mark the transition between the different uses. Finally, blue velvet curtains were incorporated that allow the rooms to be darkened or made independent, offering a theatrical aspect to the whole. A very limited intervention in dimensions and budget, which tries to create a pleasant and warm place in which to live from simplicity.
Project Info
Architects: Jorge Díaz Estudio
Country: Spain, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Area: 70 m²
Year: 2022
Photographs: Flavio Dorta
Manufacturers JUNG, FARO Barcelona, VIVES CERAMICA, Zangra: JUNG
Collaborators: Julia Fariña Masset, María Laura Ortega
Madeline Brooks is a Projects Editor at Arch2O, where she has been shaping and refining architectural content since March 2024. With over a decade of experience in editorial work, she has curated, revised, and published an array of projects covering architecture, urbanism, and public space design. A graduate of the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Madeline brings a strong academic foundation and a discerning editorial eye to each piece she oversees. Since joining Arch2O, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the platform’s editorial direction, with a focus on sustainability, social relevance, and cutting-edge design. Madeline excels at translating complex architectural ideas into clear, engaging stories that resonate with both industry professionals and general readers. She works closely with architects, designers, and global contributors to ensure every project is presented with clarity, depth, and compelling visual narrative. Her editorial leadership continues to elevate Arch2O’s role in global architectural dialogue.