Architecture News

CODOO STUDIO's Martha Tavern project in Madrid, Spain, redefines the classic tavern experience by creating an environment that feels more like a home than a typical bar. The design concept revolves around openness and intimacy, crafting spaces that invite guests to relax and socialize in a comfortable setting. The project, completed in 2025 and spanning 190 square meters, stands out for its unique approach to hospitality interiors, where every detail contributes to a sense of warmth and belonging. This innovative design challenges conventional notions of public dining spaces, offering a refreshing perspective on communal and personal comfort within a commercial establishment.

The tavern's interior blends modern aesthetics with natural elements, employing a sophisticated material palette and thoughtful lighting solutions. The aim is to balance elegance with a relaxed vibe, making Martha Tavern a destination where patrons can enjoy fine dining in an ambiance that feels both luxurious and familiar. The architects, Sergio Ortiz and Jose David Costa, along with their design team, focused on creating a seamless flow between different areas of the tavern, ensuring that each zone offers a distinct yet harmonious experience. This meticulous attention to detail transforms the space into a memorable culinary and social retreat.

The Vision: A Home-Like Tavern Experience

CODOO STUDIO embarked on a distinctive architectural journey with Martha Tavern, aiming to subvert the conventional bar aesthetic. Instead of mimicking a bar, the design team chose to conceptualize and execute a space that embodies the warmth and familiarity of a domestic dwelling, yet remains open and inviting to the public. This innovative approach sought to bridge the gap between private comfort and public engagement, creating an environment where patrons could feel at ease and connected, much like being in a well-appointed home. The vision was to craft a unique dining and social hub that prioritizes intimacy, relaxation, and a sense of belonging over the often bustling and impersonal nature of traditional taverns.

The core philosophy behind Martha Tavern was to create an inviting atmosphere that encourages lingering conversations and shared experiences. This was achieved through a careful selection of design elements that evoke homeliness, such as comfortable seating arrangements, soft lighting, and a thoughtful layout that fosters a sense of privacy within an open plan. The architects deliberately moved away from typical commercial design tropes, opting instead for a more personal and curated feel. By transforming the tavern into a 'public home,' CODOO STUDIO offered a novel interpretation of hospitality, making Martha Tavern a tranquil sanctuary where guests can unwind and enjoy a refined yet unpretentious environment.

Design and Ambiance: Crafting a Unique Culinary Space

The physical manifestation of CODOO STUDIO's vision for Martha Tavern is evident in its meticulously designed interiors. Located in Madrid, Spain, the 190-square-meter space, completed in 2025, showcases a harmonious blend of materials, textures, and lighting. The design team, led by Sergio Ortiz and Jose David Costa, utilized natural elements to enhance the feeling of warmth and authenticity, integrating wood, stone, and bespoke furnishings to create a tactile and visually rich environment. The strategic placement of lighting fixtures further contributes to the intimate ambiance, casting a soft glow that highlights architectural details and creates inviting pockets throughout the tavern.

Every aspect of Martha Tavern's interior has been thoughtfully considered to elevate the guest experience. From the layout of the dining areas to the selection of decor, the design promotes both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The result is a sophisticated yet comfortable space where modern design principles meet traditional Spanish charm. The collaborative efforts of the architects and the precise photography by German Saiz capture the essence of this unique project, demonstrating how architectural innovation can transform a standard commercial venue into a distinctive and memorable destination. Martha Tavern stands as a testament to CODOO STUDIO's ability to redefine hospitality spaces, offering a refined and homely retreat in the heart of Madrid.

The Promenade House, a residential marvel crafted by studio gm, redefines the concept of home by integrating a journey of exploration and discovery within its very design. Nestled by a serene lake and encompassed by an expansive garden, this 593-square-meter dwelling, slated for completion in 2025, does not immediately reveal its full grandeur. Instead, it invites occupants and visitors on a deliberate, meandering pathway through lush vegetation, a design choice that gradually unfolds the architectural narrative. This intentional path, aptly named "promenade," transcends mere circulation, becoming a foundational element of the arrival experience and imbuing the residence with a profound connection to its natural surroundings. It transforms the act of approaching the house into an immersive prelude, setting the stage for the architectural beauty within.

Promenade House: A Symphony of Architecture and Nature in Levilândia

In the picturesque locale of Levilândia, Brazil, studio gm has orchestrated the Promenade House, a distinctive residential project slated for completion in 2025. This architectural endeavor, led by Guto Delgado, Mylena Oliveira, and Letícia Ferreira, showcases a thoughtful integration with its environment, featuring a sprawling 593-square-meter footprint. The design concept centers around a sensory journey, beginning with a subtly winding path that guides visitors through a verdant garden toward the residence. This gradual unveiling of the structure, rather than an immediate presence, forms the core of the "promenade" philosophy—a deliberate walk that encourages observation and appreciation of the surrounding landscape. The house, situated by a tranquil lake, is further enhanced by the meticulous landscaping of Margareth Maroto, while the structural integrity is provided by Projetos Funcionais and the general construction managed by Amaral Guimarães Engenharia. The interior and exterior spaces are adorned with products from esteemed manufacturers such as Arkos, Carlos Motta, Cinex, Dell Anno, Jader Almeida, and Polytec, curated under the coordination of Leticia Ferreira, ensuring a blend of aesthetic appeal and functional excellence.

The Promenade House stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design, reminding us that architecture can be more than just a structure; it can be an experience. The intentional integration of the approach path with the natural landscape encourages a slower, more mindful engagement with one's environment. This project inspires us to reconsider how we interact with our living spaces and their surroundings, fostering a deeper connection to nature and a sense of discovery even in our daily routines. It's a poignant reminder that true luxury often lies in the journey, not just the destination.