# AA Apartments: Transforming Commercial Spaces into Residential Units in Málaga Crearctive repurposes a 195-square-meter commercial premise into four distinct, high-ceiling residential apartments. - **Source:** [ArchDaily Global](https://brifing.si/source/b856ce4a-b51b-4705-954b-40620e034caa) - **Published:** 2026-10-17 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/8c6d83d8-dac7-4d57-963a-e6d034bf87a7 ## Adaptive Reuse Strategy The AA Apartments project in Málaga involves the conversion of existing commercial premises into four independent residential units. Spanning 195 square meters, the design focuses on repurposing a previously open-plan layout. Architects Carlos Arias Garnelo and Rafael González García led the transformation, which was officially completed and documented in October 2026. ## Leveraging Vertical Volume A defining feature of the original structure is its generous clear height of thirteen feet, or four meters. The design team utilized this verticality to articulate an intermediate level within the apartments. By working in section, the architects effectively maximized the usable floor area without requiring an expansion of the building footprint. ## Centralized Service Spine The core architectural strategy relies on a central spine that groups all essential service spaces together. This configuration optimizes the distribution of building systems, such as plumbing and electrical, while freeing up the perimeter of each home. This approach ensures that natural light reaches the living areas, enhancing the overall spatial quality. ## Material and Aesthetic Choices The project incorporates specific material selections to define the interior atmosphere. Marazzi Slow Pomice products were utilized throughout the apartments to provide a cohesive aesthetic finish. These material choices reflect the project's focus on durability and modern residential standards, ensuring the interiors remain functional while maintaining a clean, minimalist visual language. ## Urban Density Management Transforming commercial ground floors into residential units is a common strategy for addressing urban housing shortages in dense cities like Málaga. By converting underutilized commercial space, the project contributes to the revitalization of the local urban fabric. This intervention demonstrates how existing structures can be adapted to meet contemporary living requirements. ## Technical Execution Details The project was documented by photographer Nicolás Díaz, highlighting the successful integration of the new residential program within the original shell. The 195-square-meter site was reconfigured to accommodate four separate dwellings, each benefiting from the high ceilings. This technical execution highlights the importance of precise spatial planning in small-scale residential developments. ## Architectural Design Methodology Crearctive’s approach emphasizes the void as a design element, rather than just a byproduct of construction. By grouping services into a central spine, the architects minimized structural interference with the perimeter walls. This methodology allows for flexible interior layouts, proving that high-density residential design can remain spacious and well-lit through intelligent planning. ## Impact of Spatial Repurposing The AA Apartments project serves as a practical case study for the adaptive reuse of commercial real estate. By prioritizing vertical section design and centralized utility distribution, the architects successfully created four functional homes. This project underscores the potential for architects to solve housing challenges through the creative renovation of existing urban infrastructure. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.archdaily.com/1186945/aa-apartments-crearctive — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._