Casa Decor 2021: 9th edition of the Casa Decor Interiors and Design Awards
On June 24, Kersti Urvois and Alicia García Cabrera, President and Director General of Casa Decor respectively, opened the ceremony for the 9th edition of the Casa Decor Interiors and Design Awards. As for last year, the announcement occurred during a virtual ceremony broadcast live on the Casa Decor YouTube channel.
The jury comprised Kersti Urvois, Alicia García Cabrera, architect Lorna de Santos, winner of the 2020 award for best project, Rafael Sitges, designer and winner of the Honourary Prize for Casa Decor 2021, Jesús María Montes-Fernández, Director of Flash Moda tv program, Iván Martínez-Cubells, director of the magazine Fuera de Serie, and Miguel Muñoz-Yusta del Álamo, director of the Fernando de Castro Foundation.
This year, for its fifty-sixth edition, over 200 companies and professionals designed 55 spaces. It took place between May 13 and June 27 in the House of Tomás Allende, a spectacular 4,000 square meter building in the Plaza de Canalejas and Carrera de San Jerónimo in Madrid.
The Spaces: Best Projects
Winner
“Modern Times”, Office by the Room Studio for Gira
Meritxell Ribé and Josep Puigdomènech of Barcelona-based The Room Studio designed a workplace that transmits serenity. Features from Gira provide home automation and advanced technology that lead to energy savings. This pared-down space is not only functional but is the perfect retreat, away from the noise.
The jury valued it as “a brilliantly resolved project, very balanced in terms of colours, materials, and form. The harmony and coherence that emanate from it as a whole favour a particularly relaxing and pleasant atmosphere, which can vary with different scenes controlled by Gira’s sophisticated home automation mechanisms. An elegant, minimalist space, which relies on lighting to convey different sensory states.”
Mention (1st)
“La Dolce Vita”, Bathroom by Fabián Ñíguez Studio for Geberit
Madrid-based designer Fabián Ñiguez Studio created a bathroom for Geberit as a tribute to the luxurious bath rituals he imagines when financier Tomás Allende financed residential buildings with a classical style for the bourgeoisie. The textiles are by CR Class by Roberto Diz. The wall panels are by Grupo Alvic.
The jury noted it for “The neoclassical tone of its atmosphere, the richness of the composition, and the project story concept.”
Mention (2nd)
“Biocontrastes” (Bicontrasts), Restaurant by Estudio Muher
The project by the team for Muher ART-chitecture recreated the user experience of travelling through the four seasons by channelling inspirations from the colours of nature. The jury recognized its attempt to organise a complicated space of large dimensions by devising different zones, each of which has its own identity and history. The transition between them is “fluid, subtle, and permeable, creating a structured and habitable whole. The power of the colours in each zone and the careful lighting create the ideal sensations for a restaurant space. In conclusion, the Biocontrastes restaurant is an explosive and daring space that takes the visitor on an extraordinary journey from the jungle to the ocean floor, using art as a guiding thread.”
Jury Special Mention
“Adunia”, Salon by Miguel Muñoz for Artesanía Castilla-La Mancha
Miguel Muñoz Studio designed living and dining rooms for the Spanish community of Castilla-La-Mancha, a region with deep-rooted artisan traditions. The designer, who is from the Spanish province of Toledo in this region, has cleverly integrated pieces rooted in the noblest traditions in Castilla-La Mancha but has given them a contemporary twist. The jury decided to have a special mention award for this space “in recognition of the great work of integrating pieces by some twenty local artisans in a contemporary context. This space aims to relaunch and recover all the value of our craftsmanship and highlight the artisan trades in a harmonious and elegant way, with a touch of humour.”
Jury Special Mention for Creative Process
“Latidos” (Heartbeat), Office by Javier Escobar Design
Graffiti, classical music, design, and natural elements are the purest forms of self-expression for Javier Escobar of Javier Escobar Design. Natural and sustainable materials-stone, plaster wood, marble dust-combine with inspirations from his urban environment. The space is conceptual, minimalist, and highly personal. The jury gave it this award “In recognition of the expression, inspiration and artistic work of a singular and highly talented creator who has created a concept of a handcrafted, intimate and personal space, completed with a moving audiovisual piece that shows the origin and creative process of his project.”
Custom Designs
Winner
Plasterwork for “Danish Living & Nueva Bauhaus”, Apartment by Erico Navazo for Danish Design Plus
This project by interior designer Erico Navazo for Danish Design Plus (Trade Council of the Embassy of Denmark) highlights the universality and timelessness of Danish design. He won the award for the spectacular mural by plaster design specialist Escayola Saz in the dining room and kitchen areas.
Mention (1st)
Tunnel in “Con mucho arte” (With much art), Auditorium by Comad Architects
Comad Architects custom-designed a large polychromatic architectural structure of acrylic panels for the entrance to the auditorium at Casa Decor 2021. Its inspiration is legendary Mexican architect Luis Barragán, a master of light, reflections, and colour. As the jury explains, “The corridor creates a sense of perspective and spaciousness, transforming this element into something magical and disconcerting. The mirror on the ceiling enlarges and illuminates the space. It enhances the experience of passing through this world of colour. The design, inspired by the colours of the great Mexican architect Luis Barragán, creates an interesting kaleidoscopic and chromatic effect that generates happy and positive sensations in the visitor.”
Mention (2nd)
Counter for “Mixture Time”, Hotel Lobby by Jaime Jurado
For this edition of Casa Decor, visual artist and interior designer Jaime Jurado presented a proposal for a hotel lobby. His inspiration is Italian, Scandinavian, or Japanese design, combined with the simplicity and authenticity of the Mediterranean essence. He sought a minimalist, warm and relaxing look in a serene and balanced atmosphere. As the jury explains, “Being a resounding element that occupies a central part of the space, it is perfectly integrated into the project and creates a sense of rhythm and continuity with the rest of the decorative pieces. We valued the refinement in the mix of materials: handmade brick and black porcelain for the worktop and white for the curved base, both by Laminam.”
Best Use of a Design
Winner
Hydroponic Garden, Delta Kitchen
Mention (1st)
Milan Radiator by Tubes Radiatori for “Una cocina Propia” (A Kitchen of One’s Own) by Dosde Interior Design.
Mention (2nd)
Sorä Armchair for “El Cielo de Canalejas” (The Canalejas Sky), Terrace by LDK Garden.
Favourite Spaces As Voted by Visitors to Casa Decor 2021
First: Con Mucho arte”, Auditorium by Comad Architects
Second: Biocontrastes» (Bicontrasts), Restaurant by Estudio Muher
Third: “Cleo”, Bathroom by Devesa & Agenjo Interior Design Studio Interior for Jacob Delafon
The inspiration for this space by Devesa & Agenjo Interior Design Studio for Jacob Delafon is Paris at the end of the 19th century. The bathtub is the basis for the Cleo collection, which is a tribute to that era and the essence of Jacob Delafon. It brings the classic to the present day in a chic space designed for relaxation and getting in touch with oneself.
For a review of the spaces for this edition, read 7 Interior Design Lessons from Spain’s Casa Decor 2021 and Casa Decor 2021: 7 Designs to Inspire Your Workspace at Home.