The building designed for architect Carlos Martinez combines studio and family residence under one roof. It functions as a machine that generates quality of life, both during work and in leisure time. The concept of work-life balance is reflected in the spatial organization: private life and professional activity are both interconnected and clearly separated.

The house consists of several stacked volumes, each accommodating different functional units. These units differ in their formal expression and in the materials used.

The solid concrete plinth forms the base element of this “generator,” housing the architectural studio. Above it, a glazed intermediate level acts as the interface between the workspace and the private residence, where the library serves as a retreat for design work.

The residential level is located one storey higher. It consists of a prefabricated timber box clad in a black rubber skin. The architect, who is also the client, selected a sensorial material that is visually striking and features a walkable, soft roof surface. The rubber waterproofing is fixed with clamping profiles, giving the façade the appearance of a refined Chesterfield sofa. Through this approach, the living area becomes even more of a refuge within the building.

A glass cube crowns the house. Selected presentations and creative exchanges take place here, removed from the routines of daily life. The space also contributes to the building’s energy performance, serving for heat recovery within the mechanical ventilation system.