Spanish architecture studio Lucas y Hernández-Gil has completed an innovative cosmetics store interior in Madrid that draws inspiration from ancient Roman bathhouses. The project for beauty retailer Laconicum features exposed wooden pillars and a carefully curated material palette designed to evoke the serene atmosphere of classical Roman sweating rooms.
The beauty product retailer Laconicum approached Lucas y Hernández-Gil to design its first permanent physical store on Madrid's Piamonte street. The company had been impressed by the studio's playful renovation of a rural guesthouse and requested a space that would offer customers a unique and memorable shopping experience.
The store's name references the laconicum, a dry sauna-like space found in ancient Roman bathhouses, which became the conceptual foundation for the interior design. The architects approached the project with the philosophy that beauty rituals are elemental cultural practices rooted in classical antiquity. "The project approaches care as a civilizing gesture, as a form of culture that has its roots in the classical world," the studio explained. "We wanted to evoke this concept but bring it into our language and use of color."
The 30-square-meter retail space was previously occupied by a flooring showroom and required complete renovation. The architects stripped the unit back to its bare shell, revealing original pine pillars that were subsequently incorporated into the new design scheme. These structural elements now serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, helping to organize the narrow, elongated space into distinct zones.
"The pillars help to structure the space and create a dialogue with the materials used in the rest of the elements," the studio noted. "The premises are narrow and elongated, and these columns establish a sequence of two spaces and function as a large door." The exposed wooden pillars create a natural transition between different areas of the store while maintaining visual continuity throughout.
Several design elements directly reference the Roman laconicum, including large circular light fixtures that recall the oculus openings typically found in the ceilings of these historic round rooms. The lighting creates dramatic focal points while providing practical illumination for product displays. Deep laurel-green limewash paint covers the walls, establishing a serene and contemplative environment that encourages customers to slow down and engage with the products.
The wall-mounted display systems are arranged in a regular, rhythmic pattern that brings a sense of order and harmony to the space. Custom-made metal and wood display units were designed to evoke the minimalist aesthetic of American artist Donald Judd's sculptural works. These bespoke fixtures provide elegant presentation spaces for perfumes and cosmetics, with built-in mirrors adding practical functionality for customers testing products.
At the center of the store, custom-designed tables feature pink Estremoz marble tops supported by metal frames. These pieces introduce organic, curved shapes that create visual contrast with the more structured wall-mounted shelving systems. The interplay between geometric and organic forms adds visual interest while maintaining the overall sense of classical refinement.
The flooring consists of micro cement, chosen for its seamless appearance and durability in a retail environment. Additional storage solutions made from wire mesh provide practical functionality while maintaining the store's industrial-meets-classical aesthetic. A service counter positioned in one corner of the space is furnished with a bright orange armchair developed by Kresta Design, the sister studio of Lucas y Hernández-Gil.
Cristina Domínguez Lucas and Fernando Hernández-Gil founded their multidisciplinary architecture practice in 2007. The studio has built a reputation for innovative projects that blend historical references with contemporary design sensibilities. Their previous notable works include a deliberately kitsch renovation of a 1970s bungalow in Madrid and a bar in Seville that features neon lighting and a sunset-inspired color scheme. The Laconicum store photography was captured by José Hevia, documenting the successful integration of classical inspiration with modern retail design.
