BAK arquitectos constructs casa franz in argentina

argentinan firm BAK arquitectos has once again retreated to the idyllic forests of mar azul, a summer escape from metropolitan buenos aires. the firm’s series of summer homes in the area, characterized by exposed concrete and uninterrupted glazing, have become a quiet presence in the landscape. the architecture seeks to bring the richness of the earth into the habitable space.

BAK arquitectos constructs casa franz in argentina
the steeply sloped site gives the two storey house privacy from the nearby road
image © gustavo sosa pinilla (also main image) / all images courtesy of BAK arquitectos

 

 

‘casa franz’ continues this idea of ‘domesticating’ the forest, while becoming a new exercise in subtractive architectonics. reinforced concrete takes on a visual lightness when long lines of glazing separate the slate-colored planes, the site is embraced by the stark orthogonal decking when it wraps around the trees and the split level affords long uninterrupted lines of sight into the woods. the space is dominated by social and gathering areas since the program called for an abundance of family space for the couple and their grown children.

BAK arquitectos constructs casa franz in argentina
a square floor plan allows the structure to lean into the slope
image © gustavo sosa pinilla

 

 

helped by an impressive-looking double height ceiling, the small footprint stands to preserve the existing trees on the site while maximizing the presence of natural light. the high window on the stairwell thus becomes an opportunity to feel the presence of the landscape and diffuse daylight to the ground floor. these formal decisions make the relaxed summer home feel unassuming while still powerfully tied to the landscape.

BAK arquitectos constructs casa franz in argentinaalmost every room in the house comes into contact with the sloped soil
image © gustavo sosa pinilla

BAK arquitectos constructs casa franz in argentina
two large pine trees become the protagonists of the architectural narrative
image © gustavo sosa pinilla

BAK arquitectos constructs casa franz in argentina
two bedrooms, while pragmatically small, open up widely to the landscape with generous glazing
image © gustavo sosa pinilla

BAK arquitectos constructs casa franz in argentinaimage © gustavo sosa pinilla

BAK arquitectos constructs casa franz in argentina
the wood grain of the concrete mold left striking patterns on the walls
image © gustavo sosa pinilla

BAK arquitectos constructs casa franz in argentina
the guest bedroom
image © gustavo sosa pinilla

BAK arquitectos constructs casa franz in argentina
(left) the double height building makes room for the trees
(right) the stairwell is allows users to inhabit the landscape while allowing for diffused light to the ground floor
image © gustavo sosa pinilla

BAK arquitectos constructs casa franz in argentinaimage © gustavo sosa pinilla

BAK arquitectos constructs casa franz in argentina
the dining area becomes a large  gathering space, expanded by the deck
image © gustavo sosa pinilla

BAK arquitectos constructs casa franz in argentina
a sense of strong horizontality is continued in the kitchen
image © gustavo sosa pinilla

BAK arquitectos constructs casa franz in argentina
the house relaxes the line between interior and exterior
image © gustavo sosa pinilla

BAK arquitectos constructs casa franz in argentina

ground plan level 0

 

 

BAK arquitectos constructs casa franz in argentina

floor plan level 1

 

 

BAK arquitectos constructs casa franz in argentina

(left): short section 1
(right): long section 2

 

 

BAK arquitectos constructs casa franz in argentina

elevation northeast

 

 

BAK arquitectos constructs casa franz in argentina

elevation northwest

 

 

project info:

 

location: mar azul, villa gesell, province of buenos aires, argentina
architects: maría victoria besonías, luciano kruk.
collaborator: leandro pomies, nuria jover, enzo vitali
land area: 337 sqm
built area: 87 sqm
construction year: 2010

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