two elevated rectangular concrete prisms shape residence on the buenos aires coast

Besonías Almeida arquitectos form LA MARINA HOUSE in argentina

Besonías Almeida Arquitectos designs La Marina House, situated in Costa Esmeralda, a private coastal development near Buenos Aires. The residence integrates seamlessly with the surrounding landscape characterized by native pastures, young acacia, and maritime pine forests, and preserved wooded areas. The irregularly shaped elevated land ensures privacy, creating a unique urban complex with distinct terrain features. In response to the clients’ preference for exposed concrete, the design prioritizes this material for the entire construction, including significant portions of the interior. While open to contrasting materials, the clients emphasize the importance of zero maintenance. The house is envisioned to accommodate a family of four but designed with facilities for up to twelve people, considering their intention to host friends and occasional rentals. The spatial allocation reserves ample space for social areas, a key focus in summer houses, with only two bedrooms designed for matrimonial use.

rectangular concrete volumes align with the natural terrain

Addressing the topographical challenges, the design team at Besonías Almeida organizes the house into two rectangular prisms at half levels, connected by gently sloping stairs. The elevated volume facing the street contains private spaces, providing privacy from the public road. The lower prism, dedicated to social activities, integrates with the natural terrain, fostering a connection to outdoor spaces. The structural design, featuring only four columns, creates the impression of a suspended concrete prism at the entrance. Utilizing quebracho wood planks, a volume on the access platform houses the garage, hall, storage room, and service room. Concrete furnishings throughout, including beds and storage, align with the client’s preference for durability and minimal maintenance. The formal simplicity is disrupted by the alignment adjustments of the prisms and the folded roofs, introducing variations in orthogonality and natural light, enriching the spatial experience.

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project info:

name: LA MARINA HOUSE
architect: Besonías Almeida Arquitectos | @besoniasalmeida

design and project management: Arch. María Victoria Besonías, Arch. Guillermo de Almeida

collaborators: Arch. Micaela Salibe, Arch. Gisela Giovanetti, Hernán de Almeida

location: Costa Esmeralda, Buenos Aires, Argentina

photography: Hernán de Almeida

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