madrid malababa flagship store is designed with raw textures and soft hues

ciszak dalmas with matteo ferrari present the new malababa flagship store which opened in madrid’s serrano 8. the studio makes use of their characteristically expressive textures, muted tones, and figural shapes. the combination of poor and rich materials is a celebration of defects and uniqueness. the group appreciates the natural beauty and authenticity of material and figural rawness. the ideals of these studios echo those of the founders of the spanish accessories brand, ana carrasco and jaime lara. after close collaboration the resulting space was built the same way the products are: with passion, consistency, honesty and sustainability.
images by asier rua

ciszak dalmas and matteo ferrari’s translation of the malababa aesthetics can be seen in the imperfect finish and natural hues of the walls. the material finish of each wall is a mix of galician clay, white marble powder from almería and totally natural, ecological and non-toxic food thickeners. the design team explains: ‘this kind of finish regulates air moisture and temperature and maintains the space free of bacteria and harmful microorganisms, as well as considerably helping save energy throughout the year.‘

the identity of malababa at serrano 8 allows the space to adapt to changes and endure changes over time. ciszak dalmas and ferrari created modular furniture pieces which may be rearranged and rebuilt as needed. these pieces are manufactured using limestone from seville, aged brass and moss agate. some are even lined using the same leather that is used in malababa collections. 

the malababa craftmen spatialize their creations with the spectacular leather tapestry which covers the wall of the new interior, designed to compliment the architectural detailing. this decorative item has been manufactured by malababa master craftsman osvaldo ruben thomas, with layers of vegetable-tanned cowhide leather, the same used in their accessories collection. together with the leather, agate crystals that are seen in malababa’s minihontas and nanohontas bags are used by the architects. the designers embed these stones harmoniously into the narrow, horizontal wall unit. the studio illustrates: ‘as if they were back in the place where they came from, it feels like that is where they have always belonged.‘