alric galindez architects builds abstract MD house in patagonia

alric galindez architects builds abstract MD house in patagonia
image © alric galindez

argentina’s patagonia region is the epitome of the great outdoors. it’s both coarse and refined, characterized by huge frigidly cold lakes, snarling, snow-capped mountains, and dense vegetation. perched on a hillside near gutiérrez lake, in northern patagonia, is the ‘MD house’ by alric galindez architects. 

‘MD house’ at night 
image © albano garcía

the architects explored a variety of ideas within the dwelling. most apparent is in the examination of interrelationships between humans, their built settings, and the natural landscape. the human presence, is this instance, is manifested through use of abstracted, geometrical forms, which directly juxtapose from the environment. the dichotomy continues through the forms, which are divided into volumes connected via small, exposed elements. 

front promenade 
image © albano garcía

access to any of the house’s spaces implies going out of a form, into the environment, then opposite on entrance to another area. this idea of exposure cements an image of refuge into the space, made more serious by the region’s often unforgiving climate. in total, there are five built prisms, each rotated from an axis to continue a singular roof line. because of this, the disjointed volume’s can be read as a single abstract element. various connectors, including stairs, hallways, and bridges run from one structure to another. 

detail of connecting stairwell 
image © albano garcía

the method also enhances the coziness of each volume. separating functions allows smaller spaces to be used more easily and efficiently, and their distance from each other gives inhabitants privacy and quiet. the spacious home is enhanced by the natural landscape, just as the environment is enhanced by the home. 

room with a view 
image © albano garcía 

juxtaposition of house in natural environment 
image © albano garcía

site plan

upper floor plan 

section

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edited by: nick brink | designboom