- Interior
On the top floor of a stately nineteenth-century building in San Sebastián, an apartment has undergone a radical refurbishment. Casa Kendo is based on a clear concept in which light forms the foundation of the spatial experience. Thanks to its favourable location and height, daylight is drawn deep into the home, where it softens the volumes and creates focal points.
The project was realised by Ortega Diago, the practice of Gonzalo Sánchez Ortega and Armando Diago. Their approach is characterised by a distinct focus on the relationship between people and space. In Casa Kendo, this translates into a design that breaks away from historical references and focuses on the internal logic of the home. From this vision emerges a project that prioritises exploration rather than repetition. 
The floor plan was redesigned with a clear focus on experience. The hallway plays a prominent role in this. What is usually a transitional zone is given greater width and significance here. It connects the various rooms and becomes an active part of daily life. This intervention creates a rhythmic sequence of spaces, in which light is filtered and diffused in various ways, including through glass blocks.
Campaspero natural stone was chosen as a continuous element and extends across floors and walls
The materialisation subtly supports this spatial strategy. Campaspero natural stone was chosen as a continuous element and extends across floors and walls. The sandblasted finish softens the light and creates a gentle reflection that gives the interior a tranquil feel. As the day progresses, the intensity of the light changes, and with it the atmosphere, which in the evening creates a warmer and more intimate impression. 
The interior design aligns with this understated approach, combining carefully selected design pieces with bespoke work by the studio itself. Iconic pieces and contemporary designs go hand in hand, maintaining a consistent whole. Lighting and details have been deliberately employed to support the architecture and enhance daily life. Casa Kendo cannot be fully grasped at a single glance and gradually reveals its layers.
Photography by Mari Luz Vidal
Text by Melissa Helsen