Imagine discovering a hidden toilet tucked beneath a staircase in a cozy Spanish apartment—it’s the kind of ingenious design that makes you stop and think, Why didn’t I think of that? But here’s where it gets even more fascinating: this isn’t just a quirky feature; it’s part of a larger, brilliantly executed transformation of a former furrier’s shop into a modern dwelling in the heart of Madrid. And this is the part most people miss—how architects can turn constraints into opportunities, creating spaces that are both functional and unexpectedly beautiful.
Welcome to another installment of Houses We Love, where we showcase extraordinary spaces shared by our community of architects, designers, builders, and homeowners. Got a space to share? We’d love to see it! (http://dwell.com/addhome)
Project Details:
- Location: Madrid, Spain
- Architect: Burr (http://www.burr.studio/) / @burr.studio (https://www.instagram.com/burr.studio/)
- Size: 720 square feet
- Permits & Legal Architecture: García de los Muros
- Photography: Maru Serrano
The challenge? Transforming a narrow, unevenly shaped former shop into a livable space for two. The solution? A split-level layout that maximizes every inch while maintaining a seamless flow. The lower level, with its generous ceiling height, serves as the more public area, while the mezzanine above—accessible via a cleverly designed staircase—houses private spaces. But this staircase isn’t just a connector; it’s a multitasker. The void beneath its treads conceals storage for appliances, food, cleaning supplies, and yes, that secret toilet—a compact bathroom reminiscent of those found on trains or planes. These hidden compartments are disguised behind stepped doors that follow the stair’s profile, making them nearly invisible. It’s a masterclass in space optimization.
Controversial Question: Is this kind of hidden storage practical, or does it sacrifice accessibility for the sake of aesthetics? Let us know what you think in the comments!
The split-level design also creates a natural gradient from public to private spaces. Circulation follows a U-shaped path, starting at the street entrance, winding through the home, and looping back toward the main facade upstairs. Both levels open onto internal courtyards—the lower level connects to a communal patio, while the upper level opens to a private terrace. Cross ventilation is enhanced by the absence of partition walls (except for the bathroom), making the space feel airy and open.
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: the apartment sits beneath a large residential block, with shared building services running at different heights across the ceiling. To address this, the architects introduced a half-barrel vault in the public-facing portion of the home. Not only does this solve acoustic and visual challenges, but it also adds an unexpected touch of grandeur to this modest Madrid dwelling. It’s a bold move that sparks debate—does it elevate the space, or does it feel out of place? We’d love to hear your take.
Written by Grace Bernard, a freelance writer and editorial strategist based in Los Angeles, where she explores architecture, design, culture, and travel. Connect with her at www.gracebernard.com (https://www.gracebernard.com/).
Published: December 16, 2025.
