triangular concrete wedge shelters estudio galera's kairos house in argentina

Estudio Galera composes Kairos House within forest in Pinamar

Kairos House, designed by Estudio Galera, is situated in the southern part of Pinamar County within a newly urbanized area of four blocks, surrounded by a forest and connected to the city by a boulevard. The large-sized lots and restrictive building codes ensure a balance between human presence and the local ecosystem.

By the time Kairos was commissioned, Estudio Galera had already constructed several residences in the area, including the adjacent Jaima House. The recreational spaces of Kairos, facing north and west, create a visual and material connection with Jaima House. Both homes share similar materials, contractors, methodology, and supplies. The roof design of Kairos mirrors Jaima’s inclination, but instead of a coffered slab, a concrete wedge composed of large triangular walls shelters the house.

all images by Diego Medina

Kairos House’s Patio and platforms serve as Observation Spaces

The barbecue-grill area is supported by slender beams that span across the patio, enhancing the sense of space and scale. This area serves as the central gathering spot, overshadowing other spaces designed for the same purpose. Direct sunlight solely illuminates the patio at noon, while the beams create a shadow play that protects the space throughout the day. An existing pine tree was preserved to form a natural island at the center, providing shaded and cool airspace for lingering and naturally cooling the house interior without additional forced-air systems.

The open ground floor seamlessly extends the free space enclosed by the pergolas. On the upper floor, the resting areas project forward as a lookout, bringing them closer to the surrounding forest. At ground level, the outdoor spaces are designed as platforms for resting and contemplation, integrated with the natural environment. The concrete pergola, with its defined straight lines, casts a dynamic pattern of shadows and lights throughout the day, with the central pine tree serving as the sole vertical element. For the designers at Estudio Galera, Kairos House functions as an ‘observation device,’ allowing residents to observe both the neighboring architecture and the landscape, while being an integral part of it.

Kairos House, designed by Estudio Galera, is located in southern Pinamar County

Kairos House features an inclined roof that uses a concrete wedge of large triangular walls

the central gathering spot is shaded by beams that create a shadow play throughout the day

the barbecue-grill area, supported by slender beams, enhances the sense of space and scale in the patio

the open ground floor extends the free space enclosed by the pergolas seamlessly

an existing pine tree forms a natural island in the patio, providing cool, shaded airspace

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project info:

name: Kairos House

architect: Estudio Galera | @estudiogalera

location: Pinamar County, Buenos Aires, Argentina

photography: Diego Medina | @diego.medi

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom