ST/LAB
An independent interior architecture practice exploring the relationship between space, material, and human experience.
ST/LAB explores the dialogue between space, material, and human experience.
We approach interiors as environments to be researched, questioned, and carefully constructed. Strategy meets intuition. Precision meets atmosphere. Experiment becomes space.
Research & Precision
We treat every interior as a controlled environment, applying rigorous analysis to material performance and spatial logic.
Material Exploration
Tactile investigation of raw surfaces, textures, and structural fragments to define the atmosphere of each unique space.
Strategy & Intuition
A balanced methodology where analytical strategy meets the human experience, resulting in spaces that feel intentional.
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Experimental Practice
Experiment becomes space.
Interiors researched, questioned, and carefully constructed. Strategy meets intuition.
A study in raw material textures and spatial flow, designed to anchor the human experience within a landscape of quiet, intentional luxury.
Precision-engineered residential volumes that prioritize light, shadow, and the tactile quality of stone against refined contemporary surfaces.
An exploration of domestic atmosphere, where strategy meets intuition to create a space of profound calm and structural clarity.
A workplace environment designed as a laboratory for collaboration, balancing professional rigor with the warmth of artisanal craftsmanship.
Let's make something worth remembering.
Madrid / Worldwide. Open for collaborations.
RESEARCH / MATERIAL STUDIES
A physical archive of raw matter, prototypes, and unfinished inquiries informing our built environments.
Open-Pore Roman Travertine
LOC: Tivoli, Italy / 2025
Raking cross-cut uncovers cellular sediment chambers. Selected for monolithic bathroom vanity surfaces and stepped transitions.
Smoked Bog Oak Relic
LOC: Soria, Spain / 2024
Deep charcoal tannin grain with mineral streaks. Preserves tactile ridge depth for architectural joinery and acoustic baffles.
Patinated Gunmetal Bronze
LOC: Eibar, Spain / 2025
Non-uniform olive-charcoal surface with exposed amber edges along corner chamfers. Tested for oversized door pivots.
Hydraulic Cal Lime & Volcanic Ash
LOC: Olot, Spain / 2025
Warm limestone hue with micro-fissures and basalt aggregates. Breathable surface layer engineered for continuous curved walls.
Green Alpi Marble Fragment
LOC: Valle d'Aosta, Italy / 2024
Deep serpentinite base fractured by calcitic white breccias. Balanced for cantilevered island counters and fire surround hearths.
Sand-Cast Aluminum Specimen
LOC: Navarra, Spain / 2026
Granular textured skin carrying residual silica imprint from foundry beds. Prototyped for bespoke linear lighting conduits.
Space constructed through research, material and human experience.
ST/LAB operates as an independent design practice and material laboratory. Founded and creatively directed by architect Sarah Tió, the atelier approaches each interior as an environment to be researched, questioned, and precisely constructed.
Our commissions span private residences, boutique hospitality, and experimental spatial objects. We unite rigorous architectural discipline with tactile material curiosity, avoiding temporary trends in pursuit of quiet permanence and atmospheric weight.
Spatial Architecture
Full-scale interior architecture, volumetric carving, and structural dialogue.
Material Research Lab
Physical exploration of lime plasters, quarried stone, and patinated metals.
Bespoke Atelier Craft
Custom furniture commissions, joinery details, and singular spatial fixtures.
Atmospheric Scenography
Sensory spatial balance, natural raking light studies, and acoustic composure.
Madrid based. Engaging projects worldwide.
Critical notes on materiality, spatial atmosphere, and global design dialogues.
Let's make something
worth remembering.
We approach every commission as an inquiry into space, materiality, and atmosphere. Tell us about your vision, site parameters, or strategic ambition.