forest home by besonías almeida fits organically around native trees on argentinian coast

versatile volumes make up casa senderos

Casa Senderos is located in Costa Esmeralda on the sand dunes of the Buenos Aires coast. The site is characterized by a harmonious coexistence between native grasslands, a young forest of acacia and maritime pine trees, and areas of mature forest that the project seeks to preserve. The design brief put to Besonías Almeida for this residential project called for a versatile home, suitable both for use by its owners and for temporary rental at any time of year. The plot had a unique circular shape, with a narrow 12-meter frontage that widens to 53 meters at the rear and borders a forest reserve. The topography also presented an additional challenge: a depression near the entrance followed by a 2.5-meter elevation, then a steep descent towards the reserve. Exposed concrete was chosen as the main material, even extending to the fixed fittings. This decision responded to a search for formal synthesis and minimal maintenance. The program was organized around three bedrooms with private bathrooms to allow different family groups to live together. Meanwhile, an integrated social area (living room, dining room and kitchen) acts as the heart of the house, closely linked to the natural environment. The layout is completed with services, storage area, a swimming pool with bathroom and parking spaces.

all images by Hernán de Almeida

Besonías Almeida creates dynamic INdoor-outdoor perforations

In order to respect the topography and existing tree cover, Besonías Almeida proposed access via a sloping bridge that bridges the initial difference in level and defines the semi-covered garage. From this point, the route forks: a gently sloping staircase leads to the social area, while a secondary path connects to the barbecue area and the rest of the lot. The floor plan fits organically among the trees, defining two clear areas. To the right, the dining room and kitchen are integrated in open connection with a concrete pergola for outdoor use. To the left, the living room feels more secluded, in visual contact with an intimate courtyard.

Accompanying the elevation of the dune, the bedrooms are developed in three independent volumes, ensuring privacy and unique views of the landscape. The team at the Argentinian studio conceive of natural light not only as a functional requirement, but as a design material that adds spatial richness. The openings at Casa Senderos are thus not standardised elements, but strategic perforations that blur the boundary between interior and exterior. Throughout the project, the interplay of perforations, concrete pergolas and skylights creates changing atmospheres that frame the forest and bring dynamism to each room.

Besonías Almeida proposed access via a sloping bridge

the interplay of perforations, concrete pergolas and skylights creates changing atmospheres

the openings at Casa Senderos are not standardised elements, but strategic perforations

an integrated social area is closely linked to the natural environment

large openings frame the forest and bring dynamism to each room

the kitchen acts as the heart of the house

the layout is completed with services, storage area and a swimming pool

the house was organised around three bedrooms with private bathrooms

project info:

name: SENDEROS HOUSE
architects: Besonías Almeida | @besoniasalmeida, María Victoria Besonías, Guillermo de Almeida

location: Costa Esmeralda, Argentina

photography: Hernán de Almeida

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edited by: claire brodka | designboom