NEVER TOO SMALL: Architects' Flexible Three Balcony 1860’s Apartment, Madrid 55sqm/592sqft

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Home to Spanish architects Patricia Laguna and Ricardo Sánchez of Tra.ma, this central Madrid apartment is flooded with natural light from three side-by-side balconies and has been designed to adapt to the couple's changing needs. Moving the kitchen to the front of the apartment, removing walls and adding openings made the space feel much larger and more connected. Much of the furniture in the bright, open living area is made from repurposed construction materials and includes a versatile TV stand that can be easily moved when the space doubles as a yoga studio. The kitchen is a blend of oak Ikea cabinetry and open shelving and features DIY lights made from Ikea bowls and a large glass splashback that gives the illusion that the space continues on beyond it. Tra.ma’s delicate balance of opening up, through passageways, windows, open shelving, and closing off, through integrated appliances and concealed storage, leaves space for imagination and day-to-day adaptability.
#smallapartment #architecture #interiordesign
Ep 168
Project Name: Three Balcony House
Architect: tra.ma/
Produced by New Mac Video Agency
Creator: Colin Chee
Director: Nam Tran
Cinematographer: Andrew Davies
Producer: Lindsay Barnard
Editor: Sebastian Tibbs
Music: Stream by Oak and Cherry & Awakening by Ikolike and Journey by Sean Williams from Artlist.io

[@insertyourquarters]

They seem like such happy people and their home/office reflects that.

[@stephenmessano1847]

They’re both quite beautiful, too. 🤩

[@Dessert_x_Tat]

Well said. :)

[@reimiguelsta-ana9784]

Literally was just about to comment that! Love their energy!

[@MsLouisez]

They seem very content. How does the laptop screen real estate work for designing things?

[@oonarhu4681]

Wonderful inspiration to use those IKEA bowls for the recessed lighting. It's just one of the ways this design demonstrates creative use of economical materials. Another favorite!

[@EllenRCox]

I was just about to comment the same. I love how they showed creativity with those lights and their use of recycled materials that would otherwise be construction waste.

[@paolomutia6767]

What fascinated me the most was the use of curtains inside to create a sense of privacy, I loved the way the light and breeze interacted with the fabric, very aesthetic and smart usage

[@Xiroi87]

Nothing smart about it imo. Considering Madrid's pollution and bird population those immaculate courtains, otherwise traditional in the Mediterranean coast, will need disinfecting every week. See how the flat above then has traditional wooden blinds, easy to clean, won't be black in 3 days and bird poop won't be absorbed into the fabric, because there's none. A perfect example of design over functionality.

[@vanessag6303]

Smart or not, I loved how it made the balcony feel like a cocoon filled with soft, diffuse light. It made the space feel intimate and comforting!

[@oksanadzhavala1424]

@@Xiroi87I thought the same thing. These curtains should be washed every month at least.

[@iarktec]

Not a great idea, tradition tells them what works, and they put a courtain. 😂

[@francefradetjardineslacora8114]

@@Xiroi87 The op is refering to the use of curtains in the bathroom area. Japanese use door curtains rather than doors. In Madrid it makes sense because of the horrific heat in Summer.

[@hannahbrown5995]

It's so interesting to see affordable items and offcuts of materials used alongside more niche ideas, just shows how you can save on redoing your own space

[@riquitawn]

Thank you! In fact, the budget was quite low!

[@henrooo]

I agree. The IKEA hacks with the PAX frames & METOD cabinets are underrated. They did a great job.

[@junehulton9776]

Wow....this is one of the best....the design, style, colours. Are used perfectly....bright clean...great functionality runs through the apartment....the balconies add relaxation space ...I could quite happily live here...

[@suzelysabadini9845]

Me too

[@mikaelb.2070]

Spanish balconies are very narrow, you can barely step out onto them, so there is hardly any relaxation space.

[@junehulton9776]

@@mikaelb.2070 they seem to be okay there ..🙂

[@Dark_Aeon]

I can see it for a couple who shares their private and professional lives, but I wouldn't be comfortable as an employee working there. To have 4-5 people work there and not have a bathroom door or even a solid wall is kinda wild to me.

[@tate5700]

it looks like the toilet/shower room does have a pocket door

[@AegisMPowe]

But only a glass one

[@EricaGamet]

@@AegisMPowe No, there is a white wood pocket door with a thumb hole to pull it. I can't tell if it only goes as far as the glass panel, or all the way to that wood strip against the cabinet (where the washing machine is). Either way, it's enough for privacy, especially if you've pulled the curtain. Like everyone will know someone's in there... so you basically just need a barrier.

[@xr6lad]

@@tate5700yes and the room still open to the working area. A pocket door DOESNT keep out sounds. Can you imagine your work colleagues sitting at the table on their lap tops while you park your breakfast in the toilet bowl - how often are you ‘silent’ . The entire apartment is form over function.

[@xr6lad]

@@EricaGametsorry. If you don’t know the sounds that go on in a toilet now as an adult I can’t help you. There is no privacy. Colleagues working on their lap tops mere metres away and your are passing wind and dumping - great

[@im.ralphn8]

one of my favorite featured design on the channel. Those 3 large windows are priceless. They're purely magnificent and dreamy.

[@metislamestiza3708]

the white curtains inside and outside of the apartment are perfect for expansion of light. the outdoor ones especially give a practical yet romantic vibe - being it gets so hot in Madrid in summertime, they can still enjoy the outdoors with a little less heat. what a beautiful and well organized home! oleeeeeeee!

[@nancyanneberg403]

There are so many wonderous ideas carried out here. Light and clean lines and those windows done well. Thank you for this best of homes.

[@hentweet]

Strange because this gave me a feeling of calm and peace, which is not usually my reaction to industrial style. Partially due to the owners seeming like they’re quite a lovely couple, in sync with one another, and the cat! Love the curtains being pulled back to show the bedroom to reveal the kitty lounging on the bed! But also due to how thoughtful everything was done and arranged - just makes me feel calm. 3 balconies rocks! Beautiful apartment. ❤

[@catemoon]

Beautiful space. I can see how well it would function as a workspace too. And what a street! I’m jealous.

[@MrDonEladio]

It would be great to see one or some night/evening scenes in you videos. It shows another side of the apartments :)

[@taschisim2255]

Agree!

[@mmm59mmm]

Bump

[@uzzzba_]

I have been binge-watching your videos, they're so peaceful and share so much about homes from around the world!

[@EricaGamet]

I watch most YT videos at 1.75x speed. But I always watch Never Too Small videos at regular speed as sort of meditation. So calming.

[@Niklaus_86]

Nice design indeed but quite astonishing that it's used of office as well. Up to 4 people work on that table, sitting on those chairs? Well... I understand why they do yoga session ahaha :D

[@moreaupascal56]

Yes I would never work in these conditions your back will be destroyed in 1 hr ^^

[@msskitty6890]

I don’t think that 4-5 people work there all day, probably team meetings or appointments

[@1ML-c4o]

The flat rénovation is nice, but the esposed toilet (with a sliding door until the glass of the shower I guess) when you have 4/5 coworkers is a very strange choice...but maybe is part of their chaotic lives?😂

[@MTMF.london]

There is a pocket door.

[@riquitawn]

It wasn't supposed to be an office ;) but we got along pretty well ;)

[@RichardBarnett-hs1qy]

Absolutely marvelous. When you have a 3-part balcony and good weather, life is good.

[@bronweneinhorn8831]

Beautiful apartment! Only thing I would change is grouting the artisanal tiles as the mismatched edges are making me crazy already…

[@riquitawn]

Thats what you get when you order artisanal tiles! 😅

[@tuppence937]

Yes. I agree. The artisanal tiles are interesting but I noticed the grouting straight away.

[@pauz6864]

Amazing!! I loved the use of the light on this flat, it is really important how do you appreciate and prefer the natural illumination instead of the privacy, you gain more space and more ligth!!

[@DolsieMercado]

I like the flow and simplicity.

[@eugenesteenhuisen4065]

Clever use of space. Like the removable TV idea. So possible with modern lightweight TV’s. Could also roll away if on stand of sorts.

[@Sendrim]

Yes! If I wasn't father of an adorable little gremlin, I'd definitely get a pretty Bang Olufsen TV that can add to the interior unlike normal TVs. And as a heads up to everyone, do not buy the Samsung frame tv, it's way overpriced for what you get. It's not even OLED (they try to bait people with their "QLED" which is just an LCD, check KZbin for the difference) ...and the artwork cost money. Instead, just get a matte OLED with tiny bevels and somewhat uniform backside for less and order a picture frame to size from a... You guessed it - a picture framer! (If you ask a framer, you'll get the same, but made of 2x4s!) 😅

[@DJ-6972]

I was confused by that because it only had a power cord. I suspect they removed the others so it would look cleaner. Every TV will need multiple cables to work correctly - power, HDMI, maybe optic, etc. most people will have multiple cords connecting modem, streamer box - it’ll look very messy with a TV set up like that.

[@riquitawn]

@@DJ-6972 We watch TV through wifi. Most of what we watch is on demand, not the traditional tv channels, and if we need them, we do have them anyway via internet.

[@jdp486]

I love the apartment, but honestly I was distracted in the best way possible by Patricia's style! Her suit, glasses, hairstyle, and strawberry earrings are so fun and memorable!

[@riquitawn]

Yes, that's Patri!!! Those strawberry earrings are just one part of herself. An amazing piece of art by Andrés Gallardo, an artisan based in the neighborhood.

[@mikaelb.2070]

In a movie she'd be a manic pixie dream girl - too much "I'm not like other girls!"

[@mrich9654]

Their English is so good. Beautiful accents.

[@guy_fierihanna1034]

that’s the coolest that a bedroom sink has ever looked, so sculptural

[@kimiru_bijoux]

So many smart things here, and the balconies are of course a dream.

[@dianehinson2170]

I love those tiles. Great use of the space.

[@nicklam826]

Really really beautiful. Though I would still prefer a door for the bedroom. For example if I am sick while the colleagues are working in the living room, its better to have some peace and quiet on the bed.

[@mariastathopoulos744]

A sliding / pocket door to save space would be ideal for the bedroom.

[@quietestkitten]

Such a beautiful space! It feels bright and open, despite being a small space. I love how they can turn the balcony into their own private nook

[@gardenjoy5223]

Love that floor, with the blue angle. It optically divides the spaces and thus makes the whole place look larger.

[@julianacaicedo5334]

Amazing project! So much creativity,, colours, materials and shapes wisely chosen to create a delightful space.

[@gnarbeljo8980]

I absolutely LOVE this! Why? Bc i feels natural, it's entirely unpretentious, it utilizes some cheaper solutions like Ikea storage units customized to great effect and on the other hand is full of exclusive detail that really make a huge difference. I absolutely love the shower/sink/toilet arrangement! I might have put in a door, or not, it's easily done. But the surface materials and ways of using the storage for separation, the minimalist (double) shower paired with the decorative sink with that f a b u l o s o tile, and large indoor window I just love! Also the mirror backsplash in the kitchen is such a fun detail, especially when seating a crowd. Adds a little firty element as you can watch or communicate w people sitting next to you via the mirror. It does require clear counter diciplin of the highest degree though! The bowls in the ceiling a stroke of genius! I feel this space still leaves lots of room for the imagination and for personalization with art, with plants, with any fabric or fiber element, and can stand changes of personal touch made over time as needed or seasonally. Which I often find overly designed and engineered spaces just plain lacking in. It's a consideration that's truly important in an actual living space, often overlooked by designers/architects who don't understand this is an essential function to any home and the difference between that and a B&B. Nobody (else) wants to live in a home that only reflects the architects and makes the inhabitant (and anything they bring inside) look less attractive. This space does the exact opposite. And of course, they live and work there, which usually makes a huge difference to entirely concenptual schemes. WELL DONE! 😘👌

[@lordking-kl5dl]

I like that they use plants inside the house, it gives a more cozy touch to the house and the materiality of the wood with the white walls seems very very good to me

[@klaudia-hf8ux]

I'm so glad the flooring has the blue triangle... it really adds to the space! Gorgeous flat and couple :)

[@gouhle2]

One of the best transformations I've seen. And the issue with the white flooring was a gift. The blue flooring separates the kitchen perfectly. From the beginning i thought it was intentional, but finidng out it was a reactive desicion to a problem is inspired. Amazing duo!

[@sweetiepie1372]

Beautiful- and they look so happy. Lovely to see.

[@sophiachristo7546]

Absolutely Gorgeous! You made the space look much bigger! The IKEA bowls as ceiling lights are AMAZING! Injoy your stunning apartment! Thanks so much for sharing

[@vanessag6303]

I love how all the plant holders are made from leftover materials too! Even the plants are so green and lush, the care and love the owners put into this apartment shines through in every piece of it ❤

[@jessmullens5191]

I think this is my favourite space so far, I wouldn’t change a thing. So clever and beautiful. Still practical.

[@hansatedh]

The space is as cute as the couple!

[@philiq18]

It's a beautiful custom home. I like the balance of feeling very lived-in and minimalistic approach with some of the design themes like the all-white furniture and curtains. Light and airy and feels very open with an intuitive flow. Nicely done to both of them. ✔️

[@juansebastianacerodiaz1672]

Clearly, it is a design for a specific user, the taste they have for leading a minimalist life and incorporating work from home is respectable, times are changing and this can be a starting point.

[@PilotVBall]

Impressive. Love the IKEA products as well.

[@albertocabezas282]

It's great you added those beautiful plants all over the place.

[@ellalaird7162]

Beautifully designed and thought out home

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

Very nice design to maximize light in the apartment. That balcony is so nice to have as well.

[@sasabinz7331]

❤ ❤ ❤ Love, love, love this apartment! I also like very that you used IKEA and not high-priced furniture only the very rich can afford.

[@noortje2363]

I loved this one; it's really their house instead of an 'architectural project'. You can just see them living there and really enjoying it

[@lyndianelima]

Incrivel. Iluminsdo, espaçoso, transquilo.

[@helenleeyogini2679]

I love, love, love everything about this apartment and would happily live here! I also recognize this neighbourhood from my most recent visit to Madrid so I know I would be happy here. Kudos from this Canadian on a creative design and thoughtful execution!

[@lucaalbertario3498]

The light from outside is just wow!

[@simonthomas1672]

What I love about this channel is that every single video has people commenting that it's their favourite on the channel so far - such a positive place, appealing to so many different tastes!

[@pbncs]

Love the brightness of the space but I think I would need a mirror when I brush/floss my teeth or when I do my skincare routine! It’s a must have

[@fernandomartirena904]

This space is so wonderful. Congratulations to the team.

[@elifyavuz5781]

Its mora than enough. There are maany storage, light circulation is perfect. I hope you have a good life and happy memories there

[@billgreen1861]

Lovely apartment layout and a place for everything you guys did an excellent job. Congratulations ! 👍

[@gesarenyandusi5517]

Love this home, creative ways of adjusting it to work for them and still feels very homey and that kitchen🤩

[@klausuwe4066]

Very nice home 👍 I love the kitchen 😍

[@albertogallo5849]

Might be my new favorite. This channel keeps improving with time. Thank you for keeping us company and for inspiring us.

[@lindachallenger1554]

Perfectly designed apartment for this young couple living in Madrid. I’m a lover of beautiful curtains and sheers! They give a romantic and soft vibe to a space…especially if there is lots of hard surfaces. Well done! 👍🇨🇦

[@jocelyngleave946]

I love that it shows you can make something beautiful without spending thousands on bespoke storage ❤

[@eauneau]

That city is beautiful.

[@ldw2739]

There is just one thing I don’t like in this apartment… the toilet and shower in one combination… looks very impractical! Not only because it is open, but the toilet would also get wet every time you shower. The rest of the apartment is lovely. Beautiful light. Plenty of storage. Clean but cosy design.

[@riquitawn]

It is big enough so it doesn't get wet. Plus it has a strong air extractor so air gets dry really fast!

[@pattyhsieh]

Yes, I wonder why they decided to do so and not separate it into two spaces. I love the rest of the apartment as well.

[@g.nikolova7361]

Bravo chicos! De verdad un acierto de un diseño tan bonito y la reforma tan acertada!!!

[@vanessag6303]

Beautiful house! it feels so sunlit and spacious, and I loved the curated use of reclaimed materials. The lack of a bedroom/bathroom is definitely a trade off that some people would not make, but the owners did what was right for their priorities - and it really gives a different, wonderful feel to the space! Since they are the only ones living there, it makes sense. Combining the laundry machine into the dressing area was smart too, easy to put things into the laundry right away! 😊

[@nancada5435]

The space is just lovely with TONS of natural light. Makes the apartment incredibly airy. The lil blue mistake is fantastic, adding a small pop of color and to the unique charm of the interior. WELL DONE! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@sdmsdm7926]

Nice and light and airy! What really innovative designers they are, I would love to live here!

[@jackieclark817]

Such a creative layout. Open and airy and beautiful. Well done !

[@bluelimelemongreen]

those tile gaps giving me anxiety

[@L0U1SE]

Yes 😂 grout needed 😂

[@KRobica]

Yes it's look unfinished

[@clovermark39]

Yes was thinking the same. It needs grouting!

[@margaret4372]

Same😂

[@charlottehall5191]

Having those curtains hanging outside gave me anxiety!

[@camiliabastos9816]

I love thst they used ikea not because I like ikea but it's a great way to showcass accessible design. It changes from "we got a monk in Tibet to source and carve this slab of pink marble" They have the ikea couch which is actually super comfortable. This couple has such lovely energy.. But whats going on with the sink tiles ??

[@mameh4243]

Must be a new concept. There's a brick building in my neighborhood with no grout. I personnaly like it.

[@gclip9883]

Yeah, a lot of these episodes have them spending 70k+ on a single tiny apartment, which is just unsustainable for most people. I've tried to incorporate some of the ideas, but custom furniture especially just can't be replicated with off the shelf parts.

[@Nazerene777]

I like it. The flooring looks great because wood was too dark. Nice and bright. It works well.

[@romikim4548]

Lovely house. Love your bench in living room

[@aylinumana7491]

Those bowls... Amazing!

[@tonileenemanick727]

Beautiful! Comfortable! So much storage! Such a wonderful place to love and work.

[@Lucas-vd2gx]

Wow, great taste and creative solutions! The bowls in the ceiling are a nice touch and the place seems bigger than 55sqm! Great job guys!

[@riquitawn]

❤

[@gnoekus]

Thank you so much for the inspirations for my new apartment in Kuala Lumpur. Greetings! Gracias!

[@kathythompson9931]

Again, I love the creative and interesting ideas for storage and living!

[@nessalia70]

Such a great idea in a small appartment this toilet inside the shower area!! Fantastico todo!!

[@charlottehall5191]

Love it. Smart to use an Ikea cabinet near entry to sit & take off or put on your shoes.

[@debbinevius3454]

Beautiful!

[@jillgrannon5149]

Fabulous, so well thought out and stylish

[@Fluuuv]

Love everything about this but I'd definitely add a frosted shower door for more privacy and it will still let light in.

[@MargaritaVioleta]

Lovely smiles 😊

[@ratsumatra3003]

Love the apartment but the plants really caught my attention. What lovely happy plants! That monstera is huge. If that is your plant, well done ❤.

[@allyntaylor8530]

Gorgeous! Bravo!

[@LindaKing-nq6ut]

Well designed..comfortable place to live with lots of light

[@inggitanotosusanto6448]

Ikea bowls as lighting nooks, all the storage lots of it, flow and light, outside sink, curtains, love all these brilliant ideas. Well done, madrid couple, thankyou NTS love from Jakarta

[@4piluchi]

Love the apartament! Great job in a great neighborhood. Perfect solutions with beautiful finishes. Glad to see spanish architecht talent! ❤😊

[@nikitaakindinov3545]

So much light ! Beautiful

[@cecilialpv05]

Me encanto !! aprovecharon muy bien los espacios , ideas que se pueden aplicar , los felicito

[@marieleriche4505]

Beautiful, and peaceful with lot of natural Lightning ✨🌞👍🏼

[@nadya6295]

What a lovely space in a beautiful neighbourhood. I love all of the plants and the three balconies!

[@mariepienne6]

This is a beautiful, well thought through design. I love it and would feel very at home in this apartment.

[@aldretaldret4310]

Good vibrations in this place ❤😊

[@heavenlymilano]

A sweet home for two sweet people🧡

[@orla99913]

Those open shelves in the kitchen really work. And the storage is fantastic.

[@netgenrb]

excellent design solutions for this space; with a bit of luck on the blue floor as it adds a bit of life to what might have been all white and too sterile. Love it!

[@yanina.korolko]

Beautiful! thank you for posting.

[@johabermuor]

Omg I'm in love with this apartment. Thanks for sharing this. It's a huge inspo for my new apartment.

[@richardschulz6797]

A beautiful apartment - well designed and fits in perfectly with the area it is located in. Congrats to the architects :)

[@michaelc8179]

I really like the use of curtains instead of doors.

[@ricardoterrasantos6618]

Very, very nice! Congrats!

[@ellieboa]

I love the curtains for the plants!