A Family Home At The Foot Of A Mountain In Argentina

Located in San Luis, Argentina, this family home sits very close to the mountain and this had a big impact on its overall design and structure. The proximity to the mountain means a lot of things, including a sloped site, an average probability of seismic tremors, strong winds blowing from the north and the presence of native vegetation on the lot. All of these elements were taken into consideration by CMS arquitectas when the plan for this project was developed.

The house covers a total area of 649 square meters and was completed in 2016
The house covers a total area of 649 square meters and was completed in 2016
The overall layout and organization of the spaces is a bit unusual, being shaped by the site and the vegetation present on it
The overall layout and organization of the spaces is a bit unusual, being shaped by the site and the vegetation present on it

The special nature of the site and the series of very specific requests coming from the clients inspired the architects to make this house truly special. The first step was to identify the sections of the site without trees. Everyone agreed that the groups of trees had to be preserved and that meant a rather unusual house layout. The architects were also set to take full advantage of the uneven terrain and the images will reveal exactly how they did that. The layout was divided into two sectors, one being the common social area and the other a leisure and recreation zone.

The palette of materials used for the exterior of the house is reduced to only two: concrete at the top and stone at the bottom
The palette of materials used for the exterior of the house is reduced to only two: concrete at the top and stone at the bottom
Concrete and local stone were chosen as main materials because of their low maintenance requirements and good behavior in earthquakes
Concrete and local stone were chosen as main materials because of their low maintenance requirements and good behavior in earthquakes
Large glazed surfaces ensure seamless connections between spaces, both internal and external
Large glazed surfaces ensure seamless connections between spaces, both internal and external
One of the requirements coming from the clients was for a large enclosed space for recreation activities
One of the requirements coming from the clients was for a large enclosed space for recreation activities
The need for an enclosed recreation space is due to local restrictions for activities in open spaces because of the strong winds
The need for an enclosed recreation space is due to local restrictions for activities in open spaces because of the strong winds
An approximately three meter slope is set diagonally from east to west on the site
An approximately three meter slope is set diagonally from east to west on the site
The lower interior spaces are positioned at the base of the slope and the others at the top, this including the outdoor swimming pool
The lower interior spaces are positioned at the base of the slope and the others at the top, this including the outdoor swimming pool
Because this family home sits at the foot of the mountain, the Chorrillero wind is blowing from the north imposing certain restrictions
Because this family home sits at the foot of the mountain, the Chorrillero wind is blowing from the north imposing certain restrictions
The interior design is simple and open, featuring polished concrete flooring on the lower level
The interior design is simple and open, featuring polished concrete flooring on the lower level
The social volume has various different ceiling heights and a rather unusual layout
The social volume has various different ceiling heights and a rather unusual layout
The upper level houses spaces with warm wooden floors and large windows with views over tree canopies
The upper level houses spaces with warm wooden floors and large windows with views over tree canopies
Large glazed surfaces connect the internal volumes to one another and also let light and views pass through
Large glazed surfaces connect the internal volumes to one another and also let light and views pass through
There are dedicate children areas situated on the upper floor and designed to be safe and welcoming
There are dedicate children areas situated on the upper floor and designed to be safe and welcoming
The palette of materials used inside the house is quite limited as well but the contrasts are beautiful
The palette of materials used inside the house is quite limited as well but the contrasts are beautiful
Sliding glass doors ensure a seamless connection between the interior spaces and the outdoor recreation areas
Sliding glass doors ensure a seamless connection between the interior spaces and the outdoor recreation areas