brick-walled communal space embraces argentinian barbecue ritual

Quincho gathering space for Culinary Traditions in argentina

Designed by Balsa Crosetto Piazzi and Diego Avendaño, the Quincho in Córdoba, Argentina, is a brick structure topped by a massive concrete slab. Located in the village of Bialet Masse, between Lake San Roque and the Cordoba Hills, the project serves as a communal space for cooking and sharing meals, with a focus on the traditional Argentinian barbecue ritual. Primarily designed as a roof, the structure aims to provide a spacious environment for hosting large gatherings and fostering reunions around a table. The Quincho includes essential facilities such as restrooms and storage, while the brick walls are perforated to accommodate grilling equipment.

all images by Marcos Guiponi

Crafting Tradition and Sustainability

The Quincho by Balsa Crosetto Piazzi and Diego Avendaño embodies local craftsmanship; crafted from cut and sun-dried clay bricks. The roof, consisting of exposed prefabricated beams, serves as a cost-effective solution and doubles as a large gutter, efficiently directing rainwater back to the ground. The intentional reduction of architectural details and the ‘unfinished’ state of the project reflect a responsible approach, addressing economic and political challenges in the region. In the backdrop of this culinary space, trees act as natural enclosures, integrating the Quincho with the surrounding ecosystem. Meanwhile, the Quincho functions as a climatic shelter, offering protection from the elements while remaining open to facilitate a connection with the nature of the Monte of Cordoba. In its simplicity and functionality, the Quincho stands as a reflection of Argentinian culinary traditions and a practical response to the challenges faced by the local community.

trees act as natural enclosures, creating a harmonious connection with the surrounding ecosystem

the roof doubles as a large gutter, returning rainwater to the ground

the intention was to create a single, large room with enough space to host the ritual of large meals and reunions around a table

the brick walls are perforated to accommodate grilling equipment

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project info:

name: Quincho Bialet

architects: Balsa Crosetto Piazzi | @balsa.crosetto.piazzi, Diego Avendaño

location: Bialet Massé, Córdoba, Argentina
year: 2022

structural engineer: Edgar Moran
photography: Marcos Guiponi | @marcosguiponi and Santiago Victorio Ruiz