estudio PKa-designed ‘casa órbita’ revolves around a central garden in argentina

casa órbita: a courtyard house in argentina

Recently completed by architecture practice Estudio PKa, Casa Órbita is a residence located in Rincón de Milberg, Argentina. In the design of the home, the team took advantage of the house’s position on a corner lot, maximizing both natural light and scenic views. The home prioritizes a north orientation and integrates a central courtyard as its heart. This courtyard visually and functionally connects the two wings of the house. One wing houses a flexible space near the entrance, easing the transition from the street to the interior. The other wing extends towards the back of the public area, opening up to the pool and lagoon, framing the landscape as a natural extension of the living space. 

images © Alejandro Peral

the curving, corten steel facade by estudio pka

A double-height hall acts as the central artery of Estudio PKa‘s Casa Órbita, while connecting the two floors of the house. This open space allows the private areas on the second level to visually engage with the central courtyard. It not only provides a light-filled entrance but also works in conjunction with the Corten steel screen at the front to ensure privacy for the bedrooms and the playroom. The second floor breaks away from the base of the house with a more expressive design, using curves to direct the program towards the best views. This volume also features a second social gallery at the front, open to the street and offering visual transparency from the living room towards the central lagoon.

with its Casa Órbita, Estudio PKa frames views of the landscape with its lagoon

the volcanic stone exterior

The material selection for Casa Órbita prioritizes low-maintenance, high-quality elements. The house features a concrete structure, volcanic stone cladding at the entrance, tundra grey floors, marble countertops, oak furniture, and aluminum carpentry with double-glazed windows. This combination of materials creates a home that is both design-minded and built to last. The home embodies a design philosophy that celebrates the surrounding green landscape. By prioritizing light, views, and a thoughtful layout, Estudio PKa has crafted a unique and inviting home for its residents.

the public areas connect to the pool and lagoon, framing the natural context

the home’s exterior is clad in volcanic stone
a curving screen of perforated Corten steel fronts the home’s upper level

a central courtyard separates the house into two wings and provides natural light

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project info:

project title: Casa Órbita

architecture: Estudio PKa | @estudiopka

location: Rincón de Milberg, Argentina

completion: 2023

photography: © Alejandro Peral | @alejandroperalphotography

interior design: SUMA interiorlsmo
landscape: Grün paisajismo
structural engineer: José Luis Pisani
lead architects: Ignacio Pessagno, Lilian Kandus
design team: Ignacio Pessagno, Lilian Kandus, Lucila López, Denise Andreoli, Belén Luna Crook, Belén López Astrada, Vanesa Rolón, Delfina Iglesias, Denise Bardelli, Melany D’angelo, Sofía Vier Abinet, Renata Stechina, M. Emilia Belardinelli