Some houses reflect a profession; others tell a life story. Joaquín Torres’s home in El Viso, one of Madrid’s most exclusive neighbourhoods, does both. Bright, welcoming and opening onto two gardens, this residence has become far more than just a house: it is a sanctuary where he has finally found balance.
Beyond its striking architecture and meticulously chosen aesthetics, the property has served as the backdrop for a profound personal transformation – a place where grief, recovery and rebirth have become inextricably linked.
© FERNANDA & PALOMAThe architect was dealt some of the heaviest blows of his life in quick succession. First came a serious motorcycle accident. Shortly afterwards, he suffered the loss of his mother, Joaquina Vérez, with whom he had an exceptionally close bond, followed by the passing of his father, Juan Torres Piñón, a prominent businessman and the co-founder of the construction company ACS.
Compounding this grief were the painful effects of Joaquín’s accident and the breakdown of a long-term relationship. It was a relentless series of events that unfolded with almost no respite, marking a before-and-after stage in the course of his life.
© FERNANDA & PALOMADespite these challenges, Joaquín – the co-founder of the prestigious architecture and interior design studio A-cero – has continued to build a distinguished career, shaping some of Spain’s most iconic residences.
Over the years, his portfolio has included homes for high-profile figures such as the footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, the actress Penélope Cruz and the musician Alejandro Sanz. Yet he has always maintained that the true heart of his work lies in his anonymous projects – the ones that never make the headlines.
Joaquín, when did you move into this house?
© FERNANDA & PALOMA”I moved in nearly two years ago. To be honest, I chose it mainly because of my ex-husband. I was never overly thrilled by the location, though I’ve grown to like the neighbourhood over time. What appealed to me most was that the house is flooded with natural light.
”I also fell in love with the two gardens, one at the front and one at the back. Right from the start, I felt a real need to make it ‘mine’ – to stamp my own character on it and turn it into a home.”
What was that process like?
© FERNANDA & PALOMA”Because it’s my job, the decorating process felt quite natural. I approached it like a tailor-made suit, creating a space that reflected my personality while keeping my partner and his tastes very much in mind. Everything is different now, of course, but the house remains a reflection of a deeply important chapter in my life.”
Which space in the house helps you to switch off?
© FERNANDA & PALOMA”The room looking out onto the front garden. The light in there brings an immense sense of peace. It’s where I read, meditate and find my grounding. It’s also the place where I feel closest to the memory of my mother.”
Which piece of art or object says the most about you?
”A silver box that belonged to my mother, and the painting of trees that’s in the living room. Both pieces carry a huge emotional weight for me and, in a way, they tell my story better than any words ever could.”
Who is the real Joaquín Torres?
”I’m a completely ordinary human being, with the same lights and shadows as anyone else; someone who wants to learn to love himself, to love others and to be loved.”
I think that label cheapened my work’
Alongside Rafael Llamazares, you co-founded A-cero, revolutionising the concept of luxury housing in Spain. What do you think set your style apart?
© FERNANDA & PALOMA”I think we managed to connect with a demographic that was looking for a completely different way of understanding architecture. We took a very educational approach, explaining and defending a distinct vision. We were also brave enough to say ‘no’ on numerous occasions, choosing to compromise on volume rather than quality.”
For years, you were known as ‘the celebrity architect’. Did that description help you?
© FERNANDA & PALOMA”I think that label cheapened my work. But the saddest part is that, generally speaking, that’s just how life works: a celebrity name sells far better than good architecture.”
Of all the projects you’ve completed, which do you consider the most important?
”Although it sounds like a cliché, I think the most important one is always the one that’s yet to come. That said, the most challenging was undoubtedly the house I designed for my father when I was just 25.”
There was a moment when you felt you couldn’t take any more. What was the turning point that enabled you to start rebuilding your life?
© FERNANDA & PALOMA”I hit rock bottom. Losing my mother took me to the brink, and for a while, I preferred to block her out rather than remember her. When I finally accepted her physical absence and learnt to live with her memory, everything shifted. In a way, she led me to the edge, but she also helped to pull me back.
”Today, I feel like the best version of myself because, in one way or another, she is always close to me.”
After everything you’ve been through, how would you define who you are today, away from the spotlight?
”Every day, I try to be a compassionate, kind and humble person. I’m just trying to move closer, step by step, to the best version of myself.”
What did you learn about yourself during that dark period?
”That everything comes down to you, and that balance and serenity have to come from within. You have to love yourself before trying to get others to love you. You shouldn’t have to beg for affection; you have to love yourself above all else.
”These days, I’m no longer trying to please anyone else – I only want to make myself happy.”
How do you look back on your youth?
© FERNANDA & PALOMA”I remember it as being full of mistakes and emotional gaps. But the past is the past. I’ve forgiven myself, and I’m not going to beat myself up for another second.”
What kind of child were you?
”One who desperately tried to win his father’s approval and not feel like a failure because of his identity. Over time, I’ve come to understand that his generation was trapped in a different culture, with the typical prejudices of a deeply homophobic era. I can see that more clearly with hindsight, but back then, I was far too vulnerable to handle it.
”To me, my father was my father and, as is the case for most people, he left a profound mark on me. With time, I realised that you can’t change other people; you can only learn to accept yourself. For years, I was my own worst enemy. The rejection didn’t just come from the outside – it came from within.
”It took me a long time to accept who I was, and I went through moments of intense internal conflict.”
© FERNANDA & PALOMADid you ever feel his validation or his pride?
”My father is no longer with us, and I’m not going to speak ill of him. He was responsible for his own life, his successes and his mistakes, just as I am for mine. Today, I choose to hold on to the good. If he didn’t do better, it’s because he couldn’t, or didn’t know how to. Nobody gets things wrong on purpose.”
What are your fondest memories of your mother?
”Every single second spent with her was pure light and peace. My mother was the greatest gift that life ever gave me. She had a unique way of facing the world, even in moments of utter chaos. I never once saw her angry, and I remember her as a constant inspiration.
”I hope that one day I can come even close to her greatness, her humility and her wisdom. I hope Joaquín can become a little more like Joaquina, my dear mother.”
Looking back, is there anything you would do differently in your personal or professional life?
© FERNANDA & PALOMA”The past is gone. I’ve learned not to judge myself for my mistakes because they’re all part of the learning process. What truly matters is who I am today.”
You have two children from your first marriage, and today you’re joined by your niece Catalina Zanetty Torres, your sister’s daughter. What does family mean to you?
”For a long time, I didn’t contemplate fatherhood. Today, however, my children and my nephews and nieces occupy a central place in my life. In my niece Cata, I see someone of rare integrity; she has so much to offer, even if, because she’s so young, she’s still discovering her own worth. I feel very proud of her and my children.”
Do you think that you used to put professional success ahead of your mental health?
© FERNANDA & PALOMA”Absolutely. For years, I prioritised work and my public image over my own wellbeing. I built a persona designed for public consumption that had very little to do with who I actually am.”
What are the simple things that bring you joy today?
”Silence, calm and serenity. I still have a way to go, but the path I’ve chosen keeps me motivated.”
What does the word ”happiness” mean to you today?
”Balance, the capacity to be understanding – even with those who make it incredibly difficult – and living without resentment.”
