Open Box House by A-cero: A Sculptural Concrete Residence in Madrid

  • Project: Open Box House
  • Architect: A-cero
  • Location: Spain, Madrid
  • Year: 2010
  • Area: 743 m2

On the outskirts of Madrid, the Open Box House by A-cero stands as a monument to sculptural minimalism, expressing a bold and refined architectural statement through concrete, geometry, and pure volume. Spanning 8,000 square feet, the home reflects the studio’s ongoing dialogue with form and materiality—this time inspired by the work of Spanish sculptor Jorge Oteiza.

Concrete Geometry and Material Precision

The facade is a study in contrasts: granulated concrete panels interplay with brandered textures, giving depth and dimension to the structure’s pure geometric lines. The minimalist exterior conceals a three-story interior designed with A-cero’s characteristic spatial clarity and boldness.

Set on a 27,986 sq ft plot, the house features:

  • Basement Level: Garage, utility spaces, and technical support

  • Ground Floor: Living room, kitchen, and servant’s quarters

  • First Floor: Four bedrooms, private bathrooms, and a modern library

Each level is oriented to optimize light, privacy, and connectivity to the garden, creating a seamless flow from inside to out.

Interior & Landscape Design Integration

The interior design merges custom furniture by A-cero with pieces from Fendi, resulting in a high-end, modern aesthetic that blends comfort with sophistication. A monochromatic palette and clean lines emphasize the architecture’s sculptural quality without distraction.

Outside, A-cero designed a Japanese-inspired landscape, incorporating minimalist plantings, stone pathways, and tranquil garden elements to further enhance the spatial narrative.

“Open Box House reflects our commitment to quality, comfort, and design excellence through sculptural purity and integrated design,” – A-cero

A Showcase of Modern Spanish Architecture

More than just a luxury residence, the Open Box House serves as a manifesto of A-cero’s design philosophy—an architectural object of presence and restraint that anchors its surrounding landscape.

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The Open Box House by A-cero is an unforgettable exercise in modernism and material clarity—a home where architecture, furniture, and landscape become a unified expression of sculptural living.

Posted by A-cero

Founded in 1996 by Joaquín Torres and Rafael Llamazares, A-cero is a Madrid-based architecture studio celebrated for its bold, sculptural forms and luxurious designs. With offices in Madrid and La Coruña, A-cero has expanded its influence globally, undertaking projects across Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. A-cero's architectural philosophy merges functionality with expressive forms, drawing inspiration from contemporary sculpture. Their portfolio encompasses a diverse range of projects, including residential homes, cultural institutions, and commercial spaces. Notable works include the Single Family Property in Marbella, which exemplifies their commitment to integrating architecture with the surrounding landscape. Beyond architecture, A-cero has ventured into product and furniture design, collaborating with brands like Vondom to create collections such as WING and REST, characterized by dynamic curves and modern aesthetics.