airy vaulted roofs crown robust concrete base of cristián nanzer’s residence in argentina

the roof by cristián nanzer extends over the north and south facades, creating transitional spaces between indoors and outdoors.

thomai tsimpou January 13, 2025 4 min

vaulted roof tops residence by Cristián Nanzer in argentina

Architect Cristián Nanzer unveils Casa R&C, a residence nestled within a suburban neighborhood in the southwestern part of Córdoba, Argentina. Photographer Gonzalo Viramonte casts his lens on this architectural composition that centers around five parallel vaulted bands, each 3.45 meters wide and spanning 15.50 meters in length. These structural elements define the spatial organization of the project and establish a construction module that governs every aspect of the design. The vaulted roof, functioning as a parasol, extends over the north and south facades, creating transitional spaces between indoors and outdoors. Under this roof, the dual nature of Casa R&C emerges: a robust, cyclopean concrete base anchors the ground floor, while the vaulted upper level emphasizes lightness, transparency, and sweeping views.

airy vaulted roofs crown robust concrete base of cristián nanzer's residence in argentina - 1 — all images by Gonzalo Viramonte

Casa R&C’s plot orientation leads to the layout composition

The plot of the establishment, measuring 25.45 by 59 meters, enjoys a south-facing front and slopes gently toward its northern rear boundary, which opens to a scenic golf course. This context led the Córdoba-based architects at Cristián Nanzer to proceed with the layout of the house, locating the social areas to the first floor for panoramic views, while bedrooms and daily living spaces are tucked into the north-facing ground floor, connected to the garden.

Access to the home is through a double-height space that offers views of the golf course. A staircase within this volume connects the upper and lower floors, facilitating movement between the interior spaces and the garden, complete with a pool. The ground floor, acting as a podium, integrates the terrain’s natural slope, resolving access points and providing a solid foundation for the lightweight structure above.

airy vaulted roofs crown robust concrete base of cristián nanzer's residence in argentina - 2 — Cristián Nanzer unveils Casa R&C, a residence in Córdoba, Argentina

cyclopean walls echo South American building traditions

The design of the residence celebrates local craftsmanship and South American building traditions, combining sturdy walls and vaulted ceilings with a contemporary look to architecture. Cyclopean concrete walls ground the base of Casa R&C, while exposed brickwork forms its distinctive vaults, diffusing warm, soft light throughout the interiors. To preserve the purity of the vaulted ceiling, Cristián Nanzer’s team visibly routes utility installations through galvanized piping reminiscent of industrial buildings. Adding to the overall appearance, an independent sculptural water tank enhances the entrance’s prominence while serving functional purposes. This approach stays true to its regional and cultural roots while delivering a contemporary feel.