BAK arquitectos builds the casa mar azul in a dense forest

‘casa mar azul’ by BAK arquitectos, buenos aires, argentina
image © gustavo sosa pinilla
all images courtesy of BAK arquitectos

in the heavily-wooded area of mar azul along the coast near buenos aires, argentinian practice BAK arquitectos created a simple homestead designed and equipped with the necessary tools to create a comfortable atmosphere and almost no maintenance on the privileged site. without a client dictating particular needs, the architects approached the project as an opportunity to enhance issues in functionality and refine aesthetic qualities. minimal environmental impact was of great importance. on a site with 43 towering pine trees, as few as possible were removed to make room for the exposed board-formed concrete plinth, while the rest were free to puncture through the solid structure.

image © gustavo sosa pinilla

the unique forest conditions informed much of the designed and material choices. concrete is left unfinished, enhanced by a exterior wooden deck that gives access to the social spaces enclosed in full glass panels. this not only allows the forest-scape to become the walls, but also helps illuminate the interior with maximal natural light that makes its way through the canopies. at the opposite end of the home, smaller openings create more privacy for the bedrooms. interior partitions are composed of plastered-over brick painted with white latex, which also helps to reflect light, and offers a bright contrast to the varying greens and browns that surround the site.

image © gustavo sosa pinilla

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project info:

location: mar azul, province of buenos aires, argentina
architectural office: bak arquitectos
design and project management: archs. maría victoria besonías, guillermo de almeida.
collaborator: diego grosso
land area: 470 m2
built area: 75 m2
runtime: 6 months
photos: gustavo sosa pinilla

BAK arquitectos builds the casa mar azul in a dense forest

BAK arquitectos (8)

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