three vertical houses compose concrete ‘triptico’ building in córdoba, argentina

one plot, three houses

designed by architects mariela marchisio, cristián nanzer and germán margherit, ‘triptico’ is a residential building on the outskirts of córdoba, argentina. the project explores densification and encompasses three dwellings on one plot, just like a triptych or ‘triptico’. 

the site is located in the ducasse neighborhood, a traditionally commercial area that’s currently in the midst of urban transformation. the plot measures 10 meters wide and 25.7 meters deep. rather than stack the separate residences, the architects decided to shape long, narrow floor plans, with a shared garage at the front and private balconies and terraces at the rear.

images by gonzalo viramonte | @gonzaloviramonte

a building designed in section

each residence occupies three storys and measures just 3.13 meters wide, a size which is compensated by the 18 meter length and the absence of internal divisions. the architects designed the building in section and adopted an unusual layout, putting studios and workspaces on the first floor, which open out to small courtyards. 

the second floor of each dwelling provides enough space for two ensuite bedrooms, although it can also be used as another workplace. the third level boasts lofty double-height ceilings and comprises the kitchen, living and dining areas. there’s also balconies and access to a shared rooftop terrace with views of the city center to the west.

the reinforced concrete structure determines the dimensions of the architecture as well as its character. four longitudinal concrete walls define the three vertical spaces of each unit. on the façade, an inverted beam with a span of 10 meters allows for the open garage space, which can also be used for social events when the cars are taken away.

the north façade is materialized with a metal structure enclosed with galvanized woven wire mesh, which is covered with deciduous vines, mainly wisteria, which grow out of a continuous reinforced concrete box. overall, the architects describe triptico as a typological essay on densification in a degraded neighborhood area, but with a strategic location between the city and the nearby park of suquía river.

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project info:

name: triptico

location: córdoba, argentina

architecture: mariela marchisio, cristián nanzer, germán margherit
collaborator: marcos barboza
structural calculations: edgard morán
contractor: adrián molina / s. heredia
aluminium carpentry: aluvicor
concrete: hormi – block s. a.
blacksmiths: fabián aimar e hijos / luis herrera & diego herrera
floor area: 514 sqm

year: 2014
photography: gonzalo viramonte | @gonzaloviramonte