November 20, 2020
Emotive Architecture at the Heart of the Spanish Capital
Nestled in the heart of the Spanish capital lies an award-winning architectural practice that prides itself on defining a modern interior and exterior design. Madrid epitomizes the juxtaposition of traditional and modern architecture, with revered iconic buildings such as the Royal Palace of Madrid and Casa de Los Lujanes standing alongside modern sky-scraping landmarks. Born out of this diverse tapestry of design, Marta Gonzalez Architects has carved a reputation in creating emotive, modern buildings. This captured the eye of Luxury Lifestyle Awards team who awarded the practice as The Best Luxury Architect and Interior Design Studio in Spain.
Following her graduation at the University of Navarra and internship with a firm in Pamplona, founder Marta González Alonso used her expertise in superior technical architecture to start her own practice in Madrid in 2003. An ongoing desire to stay ahead of developments within the architectural and design world has helped the practice evolve and defined its principle ethos of creating an impressive foundation in modern and contemporary architecture. The practise has grown to include the skills and art of 12 design professionals, five of which are architects, a civil engineer, an industrial engineer and three technical architects. This strong collaboration of professionals means that clients can draw on multi-disciplinary knowledge and skills, whatever the size or complexity of the project.
Marta González Architects abides by a true focus on each clients’ design brief while recognising a definitive need for an emotional architecture that engages with the end-user. Understated luxury is created using clean lines and carefully choreographed materials emphasise both vertical and horizontal forms. This signature style can be seen clearly in practice in both current and previous projects. Not limited to residential, Marta González Architects has worked on outstanding projects from commercial, hospitality and retail sectors and provides an impressive portfolio of interior design examples.
The challenges set for the team when creating a visually engaging and practical commercial space for Paniza Wineries highlights their understanding of creating user-interactive space. Located in Zaragoza, Paniza Wineries required a mixed-use area that would be used by both visitors and staff. Within the retail and tasting areas, backlit racking helped expose the vertically displayed bottles in a modern version of a cellar. Tasting areas were created using organic inspired seating and tabletops. Behind the scenes, office spaces use glazed walls enabling end-users to remain connected with the commercial space around them. This use of glass also helped maximize light while creating quiet areas for office staff. A predominantly white scheme with contrasting black accents created monochromatic interest while the use of geometric sculpture in hallways provide aesthetic highlights that break up the linear forms of the building. Again, vertical and horizontal forms were depicted in contrasting materials resulting in a contemporary and tactile space.
Current projects include a 1500m2 hotel project for Hotel Alcalá Best price which includes a double-height lobby area with bold vertical accents that complement the hospitality brands focus on the contemporary, modern traveller. Alongside this project are a further four high-end luxury residential projects. Mirabal House, Talo House, Hus House and Peguerinos House. Talos House is the largest with an impressive 700 m2 space incorporating living spaces and a luxury pool area. This detached house heralds the design practices linear signature which are then defined by water boundaries. This balance of material with natural elements helps engage the end-user with the outside world while providing the opulence that would be expected at a luxury residential level.
An ongoing commitment by the Marta González Architectural team see them continue to stay ahead of best practices and the latest technology. This allows the team to design buildings and interiors that are not only aesthetic but provide efficient use of materials and resources so that their environmental impact is minimal. This very thirst for knowledge is another defining principle that founder Marta González has used throughout her career.
The abundance of influence on modern architecture and a clear understanding on how good, luxury design can affect the end-user, clearly marked Marta González Architects as a defining practice with an ongoing influence within the Spanish design scene.
About Luxury Lifestyle Awards
Luxury Lifestyle Awards is a global award selecting, recognizing, celebrating and promoting the best luxury goods and services all over the world. The goal of the company is to connect people with the best of luxury. LLA has evaluated more than 10 000 various goods and services in 400 categories from 60 countries and analyzed the results to give you a TOP list of the best of the best in the world. Such world-renowned brands as Chanel, Dom Perignon, and Ferrari were proudly named winners. The victory brings companies status and recognition, global promotion and exposure to an entirely new market of customers.