Octavio Mestre House

A play of oppositions, elements that speak to each other and create their own rules.

Combining a studio and living space under the same roof implies properly distinguishing these areas from one another, setting the boundaries and guaranteeing the independence of each part. The architecture is a play of oppositions, elements that speak to each other and create their own rules. In architecture, enhancing horizontality favours rest and simplicity, while verticality gives an idea of austerity or magnificence (according to the point of view). In architecture, non-parallel lines speak of certain instability, shapes which make way for others, insinuating that anything is possible. I aimed to make my office not into an office but a studio, as I did not want to dispatch problems or officiate as a figurehead, but in fact study things. In time, the office left home and the entire space – which is how it is shown here – became a part of the dwelling.