In the heart of San Sebastian, a compact 861-square-foot apartment has undergone a radical transformation that challenges traditional notions of home design. It was led by Spanish architect and designer Ismael Medina ManzanoThe project, known as unplanned home prototypeReimagines living spaces to reflect the emerging dynamics of 21st century living. This experimental intervention serves as both a critique of mid-20th century housing policies and a bold step toward adaptable, sustainable living environments.
Built in 1966, the apartment building originally followed the strict design principles of the era’s Stabilization Plan, a 1959 Spanish initiative aimed at economic recovery. Housing units were standardized, divided, and adapted for single-family living – a reflection of the social norms and competencies valued at the time. The design of the Medina disrupts these conventions, offering a fluid, multi-functional layout that meets the diverse needs of modern residents.
The project moves away from rigid boundaries and fosters an environment that integrates flexibility and inclusivity. Freed from the constraints of traditional spatial organization, the apartment transforms into a dynamic living ecosystem capable of accommodating different forms of coexistence.
At the core of this reimagined space is a striking curved wall, crafted from green glazed ceramic tiles. The facility is a practical and aesthetic innovation, serving as a hub for storage and social interaction. Strategically placed around the wall are storage units, including pantries, closets, and kitchen cabinetry, blurring the boundaries between functional and decorative design.
One end of the wall integrates seamlessly with a mirrored showcase, hiding everyday household appliances. In another area, a sandstone portal – crafted from locally sourced stone – reveals the geological history of the area. This fusion of materials connects the design to its geographical and cultural context, symbolizing a dialogue between architecture and environment.
A collection of mobile elements further enhances the versatility of the apartment. A movable kitchen island constructed from reclaimed granite exemplifies the project’s commitment to sustainability and adaptability. Designed to orbit within the space, the island can be reconfigured to suit different activities and social gatherings. Other movable features include stools made from reclaimed tree roots and furniture crafted from materials from local industries such as recycled aluminum and steel.
The inclusion of greenery adds another layer of connection with nature. An internal irrigation system maintains dynamic vegetation, blurring the lines between interior and exterior spaces and promoting a sense of harmony with the surrounding environment.
The unplanned domestic prototype encapsulates Medina’s broader vision of architecture as a means to address social and ecological challenges. By integrating local materials, sustainable practices and innovative design elements, the project underlines the importance of contextual reflection in residential architecture. It is a place not only to live but to engage – a living prototype that invites its users to redefine their relationship with domesticity and the environment.
For more information about Ismael Medina Manzano and his work, visit ismaelmedinamanzano.com,
by photography hyperfocal,