Photo by Lucia Marcano.
Interior design studio
Plantea has transformed a former adult-film cinema in Madrid, creating a contemporary art-nouveau theatre within its abandoned shell. The previous dark interiors reminiscent of its racy, X-rated past have been replaced with an air of vintage elegance. Rich velvet fabrics, bright LED lights, and soft pink tones are layered together, creating a series of spaces that are too tempting to skip past.
The now renamed
Sala Equis comes along with a long and vibrant history. Built-in the courtyard of a neoclassical mansion, the former Duque de Alba cinema opened its doors as a movie theatre in 1941. Adult films were shown for almost three decades before it was turned into a modern restaurant, design shop and art gallery.
The 700 square metre venue is built around a multi-levelled plaza that blurs the boundary between the interior and exterior. A large skylight invites bright light into the space, while planting designed in collaboration with landscaping studio Rentagarden, makes occupants feel as though they are bathing in the sunshine outside. Folding beach stairs and garden sofas have been chosen for their flexibility to suit a range of activities. Intricate wall details and exposed marks of age bring the heritage voice of the project into the contemporary, adding to its ever-growing narrative.
Related: Charming Unfinished Character of Sala Beckett in Barcelona Refurbished by Flores & Prats.
