Exploring new ways of living, estudio DIIR has designed a bold residential proposal that focuses on optimizing a small footprint to create a flexible and multifunctional space. Despite its unique geometry and limited dimensions, six large windows flood the interior with natural light, expanding the possibilities for design.

Conceived from the outset as an open space, the VA House articulates a sequence of levels that create a domestic landscape where each element finds its support within the architecture itself. Thus, the granite platforms that structure the space await the arrival of elements such as the sofa, bed, kitchen, and wardrobe to complete their meaning.

The careful selection of materials by estudio DIIR for the VA House plays a fundamental role. The homogeneity of the metal surfaces, the natural stone baseboards, and the warmth of the wooden floors contrast with the diverse shapes and vibrant colours of the designer pieces that complete the space.

VA House is conceived as a neutral yet dynamic, ever-changing, and expressive backdrop. Like a blank canvas, the project awaits completion by the works and objects that activate and define the identity of this unique, elegant, and sophisticated home. 

VA House by estudio DIIR. Photograph by Luis Díaz Díaz.

VA House by estudio DIIR. Photograph by Luis Díaz Díaz.

Project description by estudio DIIR

The ongoing research into new housing models finds in VA House a laboratory for experimentation and the development of bold strategies. This dwelling, characterized by its unique geometry and small size, stems from an approach that delves into concepts based on the dialogue between opposites. This confrontation of ideas, both theoretical and aesthetic, guides the proposal to the culmination of a proactive and atypical typology.

The project's main objective is to optimize the surface area in order to achieve a flexible and multifunctional space. To achieve this, the potential of a space that, while limited in size, has a clear connection to the exterior is analyzed. The six large openings located on three sides of the house flood the interior with light and offer a versatile playing field.

VA House by estudio DIIR. Photograph by Luis Díaz Díaz.
VA House by estudio DIIR. Photograph by Luis Díaz Díaz.

This starting point allows for working on the idea of ​​an open space in which, through the creation of different levels, distinct areas are defined. The construction of this interplay of heights contributes to the development of a domestic landscape where each element emerges from the architecture itself. The granite plinths act as a support and await the arrival of various design pieces: sofa, bed, kitchen, wardrobe... These populate the space and lend character to a uniform environment where each element is perfectly integrated.

This conception of the home as a support allows for the creation of a neutral yet expressive container. The few, carefully selected materials used create a blend of metallic surfaces, natural stone plinths, and warm wood floors, resulting in an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere.

VA House by estudio DIIR. Photograph by Luis Díaz Díaz.
VA House by estudio DIIR. Photograph by Luis Díaz Díaz.

The homogeneity of this environment is disrupted by the inclusion of design pieces conceived in different formats, primarily furniture, lighting, and art. The role of these elements is considered fundamental since, thanks to their color, they create an interesting dialogue with the surrounding atmosphere. It is the art, conceived in different formats and understood as a changing order, that activates the space and ultimately constructs the identity of this unique home.

More information

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Architects
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estudio DIIR. Lead Architects.- David Meana, Ignacio Navarro, Iñigo Palazón, Ricardo Fernández.

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Client
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Private.

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Area
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60 sqm.

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Dates
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Start date.- February 2025.
End date.- July 2025.

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Location
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Madrid, Spain.

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Photography
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estudio DIIR is an architecture practice based in Madrid founded in 2018 by David Meana, Ignacio Navarro, Iñigo Palazón and Ricardo Fernández, all of them architects from the Madrid School of Architecture (ETSAM), complemented their training with international experiences in the United States, Sweden, France, China or India. This opportunity has given them an open perspective that they now apply in each of their innovative works.

Their projects, marked by a strong strategic and conceptual positioning, have received national and international recognition. Facing projects of multiple scales has allowed them to develop a practice that explores infinite ways to achieve uniqueness through sensitivity and rigor. The various public projects won at the beginning of their journey - some of them currently under construction - are combined with private commissions of all kinds. The achievement of this variety of works has allowed the studio to be awarded by the COAM as an emerging studio in several consecutive years.

Their work has received national and international recognition. In 2018, They were awarded first prize for the construction of a new cultural centre in Los Molinos (Madrid). At the beginning of 2019, they won first prize for the landscaping of Villamayor de Gállego (Zaragoza). And in 2020, they won first prize for the construction of the social-health centre in Plasencia (Cáceres). In addition, they were recently selected among five international finalists to design the Museum of Archaeology and Prehistory in Santander.

The strategic and conceptual positioning developed in the various design competitions in which they were awarded is transferred to domestic spaces. From offices and shops to renovations and homes, estudio DIIR explores various ways to achieve uniqueness through innovation and rigour.

DIIR's philosophy is a dialogue between beauty and life experience. They conceive and transform spaces as places in constant interaction with people's life experience, influencing their daily lives and the quality of their existence. DIIR is a dialogue between rigor and sensitivity. The perseverance and precision with which we approach each project coexists with the delicacy to achieve solutions that are guided by the search for uniqueness. DIIR is a dialogue between timelessness and resonance. Their work moves away from trends and fashions with the aim of achieving spaces that endure over time and that, in turn, have the capacity to generate an impact on those who interact with them.
 

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Published on: December 29, 2025
Cite:
metalocus, AGUSTINA BERTA
"A blank canvas awaiting art. VA House by estudio DIIR" METALOCUS. Accessed
<https://www.metalocus.es/en/news/blank-canvas-awaiting-art-va-house-estudio-diir> ISSN 1139-6415
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