cascading patio shapes terraced garden hills at olivos house, wrapping surrounding landscape

Gonzalo Bardach puts landscape at the center of his design

Envisioned as a refuge on the slope of a golf course in Pilar, Buenos Aires, Olivos House by Gonzalo Bardach integrates landscape into the residence through a central patio, which serves as the heart of the home. This patio connects the ground floor, first floor, and terrace, weaving the building into its surroundings through a continuous garden platform covered with native vegetation. The landscape becomes an essential component of the house, shaping its form and function. The exterior of the building is subtle, concealing a vertical, curved structure that forms terraced hills, allowing light to permeate the home and cross ventilation. Concrete, wood, iron, and glass in their raw forms reinforce the connection to nature while bringing warmth indoors. 

all images by César Béjar, courtesy of Gonzalo Bardach

vegetation turns the Olivos House into a dynamic ecosystem

Large windows and the patio invite natural light, while passive ventilation enhances comfort. Gonzalo Bardach blends the indoor spaces with the outdoor environment, setting privacy and openness as his main priorities. The landscape design focuses on biodiversity, embracing an organic approach that allows the garden to evolve naturally over time. The green roofs and outdoor gardens add to the appearance of the dwelling but also improve air quality and contribute to a sense of freshness.

The Argentinian studio analyzed solar orientation and wind patterns to maximize natural light and ventilation, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and a connection to the landscape. Every area of the house features vegetation, turning the space into a small, dynamic ecosystem that encourages coexistence between humans and nature. The Olivos House accommodates social and private needs, with an open-plan ground floor designed for hosting guests and the owner’s personal quarters overlooking the golf course. The first floor includes private spaces for visiting family members, ensuring flexibility and comfort. 

curved structure that forms terraced hills

Olivos House by Gonzalo Bardach integrates landscape into the residence through a central interior patio

the first floor includes private spaces for visiting family members, ensuring flexibility and comfort

weaving the building into its surroundings

this patio connects the ground floor, first floor, and terrace

every area of the house features vegetation

the landscape becomes an essential component of the house

turning the space into a small, dynamic ecosystem

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envisioned as a refuge on the slope of a golf course

bringing warmth indoors

passive ventilation enhances comfort

the Olivos House accommodates social and private needs

concrete, wood, iron, and glass in their raw forms reinforce the connection to nature

Gonzalo Bardach blends the indoor spaces with the outdoor environment

setting privacy and openness as main priorities

the exterior is subtle, concealing a vertical, curved patio that forms terraced hills

project info:

name: Olivos House
architect: Gonzalo Bardach | @gonzalobardach_arq
design team: Gonzalo Bardach, Rocío Carrillo, Leila Rocamora Duca, Isabel Quinton
location: Pilar, Buenos Aires, Argentina

photographer: César Béjar | @cesarbejarstudio

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edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom