this 'siquiman lodge' integrates a floating yoga studio into its foundations

working from home in the quiet solitude of nature

argentina-based pablo senmartin arquitectos presents this ‘siquiman lodge’ as a weekend house standing as a tree by day, and a luminous cave by night. the team describes the project as an in-depth study on contemporary construction concerns within a natural context, all developed according to a LEED 4 sustainable housing certification. the pandemic has brought on a whole new opportunity for at-home working, leading to an increased desire for housing in remote areas surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes.

the design team realizes this timber house, photographed by gonzalo viramonte, in response to the contemporary values of sustainable architecture and remote living and working. celebrating the natural context in the spirit of wellness, the dwelling integrates a yoga studio into its structure, framing the green surroundings in quiet solitude.

images © gonzalo viramonte | @gonzaloviramonte

built with respect for the fragile environment

the siquiman lodge is located near a protected forest in the mountainous area of córdoba, argentina. the region is characterized by its extreme environmental fragility, with periods of long drought, large-scale fires, loss of native forest, and lack of infrastructure. consists of a surface of 1610.69m2 and slopes of up to 8 meters, towards the coast.

the team at pablo senmartin arquitectos (see more here) comments on the sustainable ambitions of its project: ‘since the impact of our activity on the current environmental deterioration is key, construction works represent around 70% of global carbon emissions and more than 60% of the use of resources.’

the two elements of the siquiman lodge

pablo senmartin arquitectos divides the siquiman lodge into two parts: the cave below, and the box above. the foundations of the house, the ‘cave,’ take shape as a simple structure of reinforced concrete which maintain a minimal footprint, reducing disruption of the native soil and existing vegetation. integrated into this structure is an outdoor yoga studio which supports a swimming pool above.

the house is perched atop this concrete base, and stands as a luminous and delicate timber structure, the ‘box.’ the house opens widely out to the distant hills, framing views with lofty, double-height ceilings all fronted by a full-height wall of glazing. the house is accessed by way of an elevated footbridge, or dock, suggesting the experience of entering the landscape and becoming a part of it.

the house presents a square frame of the lake and hills beyond