Punto Medio by Tabula Studio
Spanish architecture practice Tabula Studio has renovated a traditional apartment in Bilbao's Ensanche district, introducing curved elements and natural materials to create a flowing family home that bridges historical context with contemporary living.
Named Punto Medio, the apartment is situated meters from the Doña Casilda Park in a heritage building that maintains the architectural character of its surroundings. The renovation dramatically reimagines the original compartmentalized layout, which previously featured segregated service areas typical of the neighborhood's classical configurations.
"We conceive architecture not only as a design tool, but also as a means to create experiences," explained Tabula Studio. "Our Punto Medio project reflects this philosophy by creating environments that promote wellbeing, enhance natural movement and highlight the beauty of noble and organic materials."
The studio's intervention is characterized by fluid transitions and curved architectural elements. Rounded doorways and soft angles facilitate natural movement through the space, while a sophisticated play of ceiling geometries conceals structural elements like a discovered cross beam.
The apartment's layout creates distinct zones for day and night functions. Social areas maintain connection to the exterior, while private spaces are positioned deeper within the floor plan. A secondary entrance hall serves as a flexible hub around the bedrooms, anticipating future adaptations as family needs evolve.
A highlight of the scheme is a south-facing terrace with modular enclosures that can be fully opened or closed depending on the season, effectively extending the living space year-round.
The entrance is defined by an Albed curtain wall with titanium profiling and linen textile. Curved partitions elegantly frame a structural pillar, while a bespoke double-depth cabinet connects to the hallway.
A particularly innovative solution emerged during renovation when the team discovered a substantial cross beam. Rather than concealing it conventionally, they created an architectural feature through a carefully orchestrated ceiling design incorporating angles, radii and tangents that maintain the space's open character.
The open-plan kitchen is anchored by a trapezoidal travertine island with a semi-circular edge that echoes the organic ceiling design above. Custom cabinetry by Logos Scoop includes doors designed by Tabula Studio, complemented by Pando appliances including an integrated countertop extractor.
The master suite demonstrates the same considered approach, with a custom-designed headboard leading to a dressing room through grand rounded-arch doors in stripped oak. The en-suite bathroom continues the material narrative with travertine-clad surfaces with dual vanities and separate shower and toilet facilities.
The material palette evokes Mediterranean warmth through the extensive use of Turkish travertine, Campaspero limestone, and oak wood. Walls feature Biocal Cement Design finish in RAL 1013, contributing to the project's timeless aesthetic.
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