A groundbreaking 200-square-meter apartment interior project has emerged as a testament to how space exploration technology can inspire contemporary living design. The Habitat Module, completed in 2025 by MEII ESTUDIO in Cartagena, represents an innovative approach to maximizing livable spaces by drawing inspiration from spacecraft habitat modules that serve as autonomous and compact units containing all basic necessities for life in space.
The project, led by architects José María Mateo and Elvira Carrión, demonstrates how principles of space exploration can be translated into practical residential design solutions. The technical team, including Javier Albacete, Andrea Sanabria, and Juan Antonio Abril, worked alongside general construction company Traza construye to bring this unique vision to life. Professional photographer Milena Villalba captured the remarkable transformation, showcasing how space-age design principles can create functional and aesthetically pleasing living environments.
According to the architects, space exploration has provided humanity with a valuable legacy beyond scientific advancement: the ability to maximize livable spaces within compact environments. The Habitat Module project applies these principles to contemporary apartment living, creating an interior that functions as an efficient, self-contained living unit. This approach addresses the growing need for smart space utilization in urban environments where square footage is at a premium.
The design philosophy behind the project emphasizes the integration of multiple functions within a limited space, much like the habitat modules used in spacecraft. Every element of the interior has been carefully planned to serve multiple purposes while maintaining comfort and livability. The result is a living space that feels both futuristic and remarkably practical for everyday use.
MEII ESTUDIO's innovative approach to this residential interior project has garnered significant attention in the architecture and design community. The project demonstrates how inspiration from aerospace technology can be successfully adapted to create solutions for contemporary urban living challenges, offering a new perspective on how we can reimagine small-space living in the 21st century.
