SL architects builds exposed concrete volumes for root house in buenos aires

located in a closed neighborhood in the northern side of buenos aires, SL architects has designed ‘root house’. the name of the residence eludes to the main concept behind the project as the client desired to live in direct contact with the environment. therefore, the building has been envisioned to take possession – or take root – within the argentinian landscape. 

the root house occupies a site measuring 10,118 ft2 (940 m2) in area and is bordered by a navigable canal that leads to the lujan river. this natural body of water, and the client’s wish to have a permeable residence, closely linked to the environment, were the starting points for the project by SL architects. the massing of the building is designed as a linear element that divides into two branches, like a living organism that grows up or down depending on the requirements of the program.

the program can be summarized as three lofts: the social space on the ground floor, the master suite at an intermediate level and the secondary bedrooms upstairs, which can be integrated to form a single space to share activities like studying, resting and playing. the relationship between these areas is articulated by courtyards and slopes, which play between privacy and integration, while not losing spatial fluidity. in addition, and in keeping with the main concept, each sector is connected in a particular way to the outdoors.

the internal spaces of the root house are designed to integrate into the outdoor environment. for example, the large living-dining room and kitchen continues into the garden through a gallery. the master bedroom commands views over the river at the back of the site, while the two children’s bedrooms on the first floor extend to a terrace which offers views over the bay. finally, the pool, which is located strategically along the coast, provides a visual integration with the river and the solarium, a few steps below, appears as a great platform, creating a living space in the garden from which to contemplate the surrounding landscape.

regarding the external expression of the building, the house has been designed to merge the skin with the structure in order to minimize costs. for this reason, exposed concrete features as the main material, offering a robust and rational aesthetic. in essence, the root house is intended to be a refuge, connected in a deep way with the place and generating, at the same time, spaces for inspiration.

project info:

project name: root house

location: buenos aires, argentina

architect: speziale linares architects

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom