floating slab and timber screens define estudio montevideo's 'el bosque' house

nature-infused architecture by estudio montevideo

A modern dwelling dubbed El Bosque takes shape in Argentina with a bold, reconfigurable design by architecture firm Estudio Montevideo. The project takes its name from its site in Córdoba’s neighborhood of El Bosque Country. Defined by an elongated, horizontal volume, the home is shaped with a simple structure comprising two concrete slabs, which unify the structure and cap a facade system of sliding timber screens. This operable facade allows the open interiors to spill out onto the sunlit courtyard and swimming pool. Still, the home presents itself modestly from the street, concealing a living space that unfolds through its footprint rather than its volumetric form.

images © Gonzalo Viramonte | @gonzaloviramonte

el bosque: a house built of concrete and wood

The architects at Estudio Montevideo have carefully selected just two primary materials, concrete and wood, to shape El Bosque House. This combination offers a perfect balance of sobriety, warmth, and simplicity, contributing to the overall charm of the residence. The use of wooden slats on the walls not only enhances spatial continuity but also cleverly conceals access to the rooms and service areas, with a backdrop of illuminated concrete walls.

A distinctive feature of El Bosque House is its thoughtful consideration by Estudio Montevideo of climatic conditions and the needs of its residents. A side entrance path leading to the courtyard invites visitors towards the heart of the house. The layout includes three programmatic volumes — the first accommodating services and leisure spaces, the second serving as the large social area with integrated living, dining, and kitchen spaces, and the third housing the bedrooms and playroom.

an uninterrupted connection with the outdoors

Estudio Montevideo’s emphasis on the integration of nature and architecture is evident throughout El Bosque House. The large side facade, enveloped in wooden slats, opens up to the north, taking full advantage of natural light and creating mesmerizing interplays of light and shadows inside. On the southern side, a protective concrete facade houses strategically placed skylights to ensure the whole house is bathed in natural illumination.

The result is a unified space where the boundaries between indoors and outdoors are obscured, offering the residents an uninterrupted connection with the outdoors. The swimming pool becomes the focal point of the courtyard, with its infinite edges creating a mirror-like scene. Meanwhile, a lush interior courtyard further enhances this natural relationship between the living spaces.

a swimming pool reflects the surrounding trees to create a watercolor scene
the infinity pool is the focal point of the courtyardthe concrete roof slab appears to float over the delicate timber facade