overlapping volumes of concrete and glass compose tucán house in buenos aires

Tucán House by Estudio Galera nestles in vegetated lot of Cariló

Argentinian firm Estudio Galera sets Tucan House on a corner lot in the city of Cariló, a seaside town situated outside of Buenos Aires. Embraced by lush vegetation, including grand lamberts and elliotis pines, the location resembles an urbanized forest in close distance to the beach and downtown. The building program undergoes modifications following various developments in the lives of its inhabitants, transforming the original summer retreat into a multifunctional house capable of accommodating the diverse needs of its residents.

The design centers around two overlapping concrete boxes, carefully placed to establish a hierarchical presence at the corner of the site. The surrounding dune, adorned with natural vegetation, creates a microclimate and serves as a natural boundary that minimizes the need for extensive tree removal during construction. The ground floor, raised above street level, encompasses a generous space, free from partitions, which hosts the social areas. The living-dining room seamlessly merges with the kitchen through expansive, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, blurring the boundary between indoors and outdoors. Continuity in flooring and slabs further enhances the sense of unity. The ventilated semi-covered area provides respite from the sun standing as the focal point for summer activities. Towards the center of the block, an adaptable pavilion settles, serving as a playroom, bedroom, or studio depending on the ever-changing habits and needs of the residents.

molded concrete, aluminum, and glass elevate the living spaces

On the upper floor, a transversal volume unfolds, housing a sequence of bedrooms that gradually reveal themselves to the southeast, while offering panoramic views to the northeast. A concrete sleeve connects the different levels, standing out as a distinctive architectural element that merges the two primary boxes while maintaining the transparency that allows visual continuity between the front and back parts of the house.

The design team thoughtfully chooses materials with a focus on simplicity and elegance. Aluminum, glass, and concrete form the foundation of the design. Concrete, molded using 1″ x 4″ pine boards as formwork, shapes intriguing features such as the entrance and the connection to the upper floor, as well as a horizontal window in the public area on the ground floor. The deliberate selection of these materials, combined with detailed craftsmanship, encourages both residents and visitors to reimagine the ordinary, elevating simple everyday actions within the space.

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project info:

name: Tucán House
designer: Estudio Galera | @estudiogalera

location: Cariló, Pinamar County, Buenos Aires, Argentina

photography: Diego Medina | @diego.medi

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