mome.estudio's zen housing units repurpose residential building on madrid's outskirts

ZEN Redefines Coliving Balancing Privacy and interaction

The ZEN project is a coliving initiative that continues MOME.ESTUDIO’s exploration of innovative cohabitation models, a line of research developed for the GoLiving group. Set in a repurposed residential building on Madrid‘s outskirts, the project integrates 27 housing units of varying typologies with shared and private spaces, surrounded by green areas that extend the community living concept into the outdoors.

Balancing privacy and interaction, ZEN places communal areas at the heart of the resident experience. The ground floor houses key shared spaces, including a dining room, kitchen, living room, study room, and multipurpose area, designed to foster social connections while providing opportunities for retreat. Outdoor amenities, such as a pool, calisthenics zone, and gathering spots, coexist with secluded, private corners integrated into tree-covered areas, encouraging both community engagement and personal introspection.

all images by Imagen Subliminal

MOME.ESTUDIO’s ZEN Spaces Blend Materiality and Functionality

The 27 units, distributed across four typologies, are adapted to the building’s orientation and structural constraints. Despite their differences, all units follow a unified living program to cater to diverse residents. Each typology features unique relationships with private outdoor spaces, introducing variety while maintaining coherence in design. For MOME.ESTUDIO’s designers, materiality played a central role in shaping the project’s spatial experience. Contrasts in colors, materials, lighting, and finishes create distinct atmospheres, enriching the sensory quality of spaces and aiding orientation throughout the building. Vertical and horizontal circulation areas alternate with social nodes, each marked by its own identity within a unified formal framework. In the private rooms, strategic color applications define micro-environments, optimizing the use of compact spaces for various activities.

ZEN offers a thoughtful architectural response to contemporary demands for flexible housing and collective living. It harmonizes private and shared environments, creating a cohesive and adaptable space that redefines the balance between individuality and community in modern residential design.

surrounded by greenery, ZEN extends the concept of community living to outdoor spaces

ZEN project transforms a repurposed residential building in Madrid into a coliving space with 27 housing units

outdoor amenities include a pool, calisthenics area, and gathering spots alongside tree-covered private corners

27 housing units are organized into four typologies, tailored to the building’s orientation and structural constraints

ZEN balances privacy and community with a design that encourages both engagement and introspection

contrasting colors, materials, lighting, and finishes create distinct atmospheres throughout the project

social nodes and circulation areas alternate, each marked by unique material and spatial characteristics

private rooms feature strategic color applications, defining micro-environments for different activities

ZEN harmonizes shared and individual living, redefining collective housing in modern design

MOME.ESTUDIO’s ZEN project explores innovative coliving models that connect architecture, community

material choices play a key role in shaping sensory and functional experiences within the building

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project info:

name: Project [ZEN]
architect: MOME.ESTUDIO | @mome.estudio

location: Madrid, Spain

area: 1,929 sqm

photography: Imagen Subliminal (Miguel de Guzmán + Rocío R. Rivas) | @imagensubliminal

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom