AA Apartments reuse open-plan commercial space in Málaga
Designed by CREARCTIVE, AA Apartments addresses the adaptive reuse of a former open-plan commercial space in Málaga, converting the premises into four independent residential units. To make full use of the building’s four-meter clear height, the interior layout works in section, utilizing a centralized service spine that frees the perimeter and accommodates a mezzanine level above.
living area | all images ©Nicolás Díaz
CLERESTORIES AND GEOMETRIC OCULUS DISTRIBUTE CROSS-LIGHTING
The central core houses the compact wet and utility functions, including bathrooms, kitchen areas, walk-in closets, storage, and MEP services, enabling unimpeded air circulation and visual continuity across the entire depth of each apartment. Above this service volume, the architects at CREARCTIVE add a flexible mezzanine to serve as a multi-use loft space. A geometric oculus cut into the partition wall establishes a diagonal light connection between the mezzanine and the double-height living area, channeling light toward the rear bedroom zone. Access to the mezzanine is provided via a garnet-red metal ladder mounted onto a built-in bench.
the oculus
GARNET-RED METALWORK PUNCTUATES RESIDENCES’ NEUTRAL PALETTE
Natural light enters through high-level, atelier-style clerestory windows along the facade, illuminating the interiors while maintaining street-level privacy. The material palette pairs neutral-toned flooring and white walls with a subtle tonal shift along the upper wall boundary to scale the vertical space, punctuated by garnet-red accents across the metalwork and carpentry.
walk-in closet
the red staircase
the red staircase
the bedroom