estudio palacios nests modern home among stones in argentina

a house immersed in stones

Located near the town of Taninga, in the native forests of Córdoba, Argentina, this House in Stones (Casa en Piedras) is a newly completed residential project by Estudio Palacios. Surrounded by an array of local flora, including quebrachos, carobs, chañars, wild apples, and cactus, the house merges with its rugged environment. Large natural rocks provide both a backdrop and a protective element, allowing the house to hide within the landscape. Casa en Piedras was conceived as a retreat for a multifamily unit, designed to accommodate three siblings and their respective families, as well as a smaller, independent home for their mother. The architects focused on creating a flexible living space that would cater to the needs of all family members while maintaining a cohesive architectural language across both homes.

images © Gonzalo Viramonte

estudio palacios embraces argentina’s rocky terrain

The core concept of Estudio Palacios’ House in Stones centers around the rocks that dominate the site. Two horizontal volumes emerge from the mountainous terrain, taking full advantage of the property’s natural contours and the view towards a nearby river. These volumes are not just aesthetic choices — they are a functional response to the program’s requirements, blending the house with the surrounding stones to achieve a seamless integration with nature. The area around Casa en Piedras presents several challenges, including cold, dry, and windy weather, as well as difficult access and a lack of nearby construction services. In response to these constraints, the architects chose an industrialized construction system. Lightweight materials were selected for ease of transport and installation, even in remote conditions where resources like electricity and water are limited.

The architects clad the home’s exterior in corten steel and black Portoro stone-plastic cladding, materials chosen specifically for their durability and visual harmony with the environment. The corten steel mirrors the earthy tones of the surrounding vegetation, while the black cladding complements the color and texture of the native rocks. These materials also offer resilience against the harsh climate and require minimal maintenance.

Casa en Piedras is nested within the forest of Córdoba, integrating with its rocky surroundings

a home Designed for Multifamily Living

The main building of the House in Stones is spread across a single floor with two split levels, each designed by Estudio Palacios to accommodate specific functions. Upon entering the house, the ground floor features a kitchen, dining room, and living area that open onto a terrace equipped with a grill. This space serves as an expansion area and a viewpoint, offering sweeping views of the landscape. The lower level contains three en-suite bedrooms and a large bedroom with a shared bathroom, while the upper level is dedicated to a barbecue area, wine cellar, and two additional terraces, which also provide panoramic views.

Adjacent to the main house is the ‘mamahouse,’ a completely independent living unit designed for the family’s mother. This separate residence includes a combined living, dining, and kitchen space, as well as a bedroom and bathroom. Like the main house, the ‘mamahouse’ opens onto a terrace with a grill, offering unobstructed views of the natural surroundings. In addition to the individual living areas, both homes share common outdoor amenities, including a swimming pool, a paddle court, and a garage. These spaces are intended to foster family interaction while taking advantage of the site’s natural beauty.

corten steel and black cladding is chosen for durability and earthy tones

Casa en Piedras is oriented to the north, a strategic choice to capture as much natural light and warmth as possible. This not only enhances the energy efficiency of the home but also strengthens the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Inside the house, the design emphasizes spaciousness and versatility. Rustic furnishings were chosen to match the surrounding environment, with wood playing a predominant role due to its association with country living. Monolithic stucco floors in taupe tones were installed throughout the house, creating a uniform aesthetic. In the hallway connecting the bedrooms, the presence of rocks from the exterior seems to extend into the interior space, blurring the line between built structure and natural elements.

two volumes emerge from the mountainous terrain, incorporating the rocks and framing the river