# Mila House: A Renovation Project by Isla Architects in Spain

A mid-terrace home renovation transforms through the acquisition of a narrow adjacent plot.

- **Source:** [ArchDaily Global](https://brifing.si/source/b856ce4a-b51b-4705-954b-40620e034caa)
- **Published:** 2026-11-07
- **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture)
- **Original article:** <https://www.archdaily.com/1027157/mila-house-isla-architects>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/a84fbd9b-6ea3-439f-a591-9d5c5faca91f

## Project Transformation Strategy

The Mila House project began as a standard mid-terrace renovation located between a street and an alley. The scope shifted radically when the architects acquired an adjacent narrow strip of land measuring 25 meters by 2.5 meters. This expansion allowed the design team to rethink the entire layout and structural orientation.

## Architectural Design Focus

Led by Marta Colón de Carvajal Salís and Juan Palencia de Sarriá, the project prioritizes light penetration. The narrow site dimensions necessitated creative solutions to illuminate interior spaces effectively. By integrating the new plot, the team successfully created large openings that connect the living areas directly to a newly formed private courtyard.

## Diverse Window Mechanisms

The renovation serves as an exploration of various window typologies to manage natural light. The architects utilized sliding windows flush with exterior walls, vertical and horizontal pivoting panels, and arched French doors. Additionally, the design incorporates circular skylights, guillotine windows, and liftable panes to ensure flexible ventilation and brightness throughout the home.

## Technical Project Specifications

Completed in 2024, the Mila House covers an area of 2,809 square feet. The construction process involved a specialized team including surveyor Jaume Roselló Alomar and builder Burmir Picapedrer SL. The project utilized diverse materials such as wood and stone, reflecting a commitment to high-quality finishes and structural integrity within the renovation.

## Material and Brand Integration

The project features products from several manufacturers including BANDALUX, FARO Barcelona, and FSB Franz Schneider Brakel. Other contributors include Cocinart, Hager, and Huguet, alongside Ladrillerias Mallorquinas. These collaborations provided the necessary hardware and fixtures to support the complex window systems and interior design requirements specified by the Isla Architects design team.

## Structural and Spatial Constraints

The site's original configuration presented significant challenges due to its narrow width and dense urban positioning. By building edge to edge on the acquired plot, the architects maximized the available footprint. This approach highlights the potential for creative architectural interventions in constrained urban environments where space is limited and light access is difficult.

## Professional Project Execution

The execution team included Cristina Gutiérrez Chevalier, Chiara Lieberman, and Silvia Fernández. Specialized services were provided by BT Instal.lacions for electricity, Fontanería Bordoy for plumbing, and Fustería Migjorn for carpentry. Galicia Proyecci managed the drywall installations, ensuring that the complex architectural vision was realized through precise coordination between various specialized trade contractors.

## Impact of Urban Renovation

Mila House demonstrates how strategic land acquisition can fundamentally alter the viability of residential renovations. By focusing on light-management mechanisms rather than just structural expansion, the project offers a model for urban infill architecture. It highlights how architects can overcome site limitations through technical innovation and thoughtful material selection in modern homes.

## Sources covering this story

- https://www.archdaily.com/1027157/mila-house-isla-architects — 

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_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._
