The Layers apartment

This design concept – Layers-  is based on the creation of new ways to use natural materials, reproducing the effects of layering found in nature.

We have used this property to allow the expression of natural materials in new ways and within new contexts by creating meeting points for different natural materials. 

The design and planning concept focused on finding new, fascinating ways to create those meeting points between the materials.

The layering concept seeks the balance between form and function and between the object and the space. Using explicit customization, in each element we designed, the layers were created through a different meeting of materials. 

 The space, 180 sqm, is divided up to provide maximum openness inside and in terms of its connections with the outside.

As an alternative to building walls, elements were designed for installation throughout the apartment to create both separation and communication between the different parts of the space:

The integral kitchen unit is a combination of woods with different finishes surrounded on all sides by perforated brass designed to provide a floating, folding look, turning into the work area located behind the unit.

The surrounding layer of brass creates a dynamic throw of light and shade, which changes during day and night hours and duplicates its graphic texture in masses of other natural materials. This element creates both separation from and an intimacy with the spaces behind.

The kitchen island and the dining table positioned in the center of the space were united into a single unit by bringing together one natural material with another in layers – the tabletop is solid wood, which both penetrates into and surrounds the island. In essence, this creates the look of an island comprising three layers of different materials placed one on top of the other.

Another element creating a series of links between the spaces is a carpentry element with a linear graphic texture in three dimensions, created using layers of carefully designed wooden strips. They combine to form a functional surround, concealing storage units within and doors at both ends. The modular distribution was designed to provide a uniform façade, which does not reveal the location of cupboard doors, or an entry door into the other space or any fixed section. This unit ‘turns’ and continues into the internal parts of the bathrooms.  

The texture of the perforated brass is repeated in the floating library, which is a composition of layered shelving, which appears as thin, floating shelves.