mobile wood and metal structures enable flexibility at estudio galera’s buenos aires home

Pingüino House embraces contemporary living & local heritage

Estudio Galera unveils Pingüino House — a retreat that encompasses tranquil vacation living alongside hosting leisurely activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The design approach deviates from the confines of a preconceived norm, instead accommodating for the terrain and merging the residence with its landscape, establishing a connection with the existing lot through a partially covered gallery. A fusion of natural and local materials including wood and sheet metal, alongside innovative technologies, the dwelling expresses contemporary aesthetics while recalling the history of the region. Within, it boasts a flexible program and structure allowing the home to evolve over time and according to the needs of its inhabitants.

Estudio Galera fosters flexibility and growth 

In the tourist town of Cariló, Estudio Galera has strategically oriented the house linearly in three layers parallel to the median axis, allowing the layout to take full advantage of the available space. The service areas are situated in less favorable orientations, while the primary living spaces and gallery open up to the northern expanse, welcoming abundant daylight and views of nature.

The relaxed specifications marking the dwelling offered freedom in spatial utilization for the architects, allowing for flexibility in terms of arrangement, function, and future expansion. This alongside the integration of mobile elements enables the interior layout to easily transform, shifting from expansive meeting areas to intimate living and dining spaces with enclosed bedrooms. This fluidity is enhanced by the aluminum and wood millwork which enable swift modifications, connecting the covered module with the semi-covered one. By linking the cooking area with the grill zone the available space is effectively doubled, creating an environment that thrives during the summer months. Further, supported by a well-defined and modular structure, the informal yet dynamic living space caters to temporary needs while possessing the possibility to evolve into a traditionally distributed home should the demand arise.

a series of volumes joined by a sloping roof

Estudio Galera’s use of technology and chosen material palette is influenced by local heritage. Pinamar city has a long history of wood-worked roofs, which informs Pingüino House’s integration of innovative roofing technology. In doing so, the project rethinks the typical sloping roof and adopts materials that ensure low maintenance and longevity. The juxtaposition of these elements — wood along the interior and concrete, glass, and sheet metal on the exterior — creates a striking visual contrast that complements the surroundings.

The design approach sees the wagon space nesting three basic component elements: the service area, gallery, and roof. This last component becomes volumetric, linking the main car with a mezzanine of flexible uses — currently functioning as a children’s bedroom — that ends in a terrace with views of the semi-covered barbecue area.

project info:

name: Pingüino House

architecture: Estudio Galera

design team: Ariel Galera, Cesar Amarante, Francisco Villamil, Luisina Noya

location: Buenos Aires, Argentina

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