L-Shaped House With A Corten Steel Extension And A Large Courtyard Tree

We love it when architects find ways to integrate their creations with nature. Casa Francia is as god an example as any in this case. It doesn’t take the idea of harmony with nature to the extreme. Instead, it provides a more realistic and achievable strategy.

The corten steel volume establishes a dialogue with the landscape and the natural surroundings
The corten steel volume establishes a dialogue with the landscape and the natural surroundings

The context, in this case, is as follows: a site located in Cordoba, Argentina had this big Carob tree on it. The tree was beautiful and simply had to be preserved. As a result, the architects at CPD Estudio decided to build the house around it at a fair distance in order to allow the two to coexist without interfering with each other. Casa Francia is thus L-shaped forming a courtyard with this amazing tree as its focal point.

The large Carob tree was preserves and turned into the focal point of the courtyard
The large Carob tree was preserves and turned into the focal point of the courtyard
The house's simple geometry and overall structure give it a very modern and trendy look
The house’s simple geometry and overall structure give it a very modern and trendy look
The courtyard-facing areas open up to the outdoors and extend outside seamlessly
The courtyard-facing areas open up to the outdoors and extend outside seamlessly
The social areas are gathered together into an L-shaped open plan volume
The social areas are gathered together into an L-shaped open plan volume

The project was completed in 2019 and takes advantage of a very special material: corten steel. This was used to encase one of the volumes. It helps to bring the house closer to its surroundings and to allow it to blend into the landscape. At the same time, the weathered steel volume contrast with the rest of the building which highlights the house’s unique geometry.

The kitchen stretches across two walls and extends into the dining area
The kitchen stretches across two walls and extends into the dining area
The kitchen sink is positioned in the corner where it takes advantage of the natural light coming through the windows
The kitchen sink is positioned in the corner where it takes advantage of the natural light coming through the windows

Inside, the design is simple and modern and the spaces communicate easily with one another and with the exterior. The kitchen is L-shaped and has a long countertop which stretches into the dining area. There’s a corner kitchen sink complemented by backsplash windows, custom cabinetry and a beautiful palette of colors and materials throughout. Almost all the interior areas have sliding glass doors that connect them to the courtyard.

The interior design is centered around just a few different finishes and colors, maintaining a simple appearance
The interior design is centered around just a few different finishes and colors, maintaining a simple appearance
Corten steel weathers over time and changes its appearance but doesn't ever look outdated
Corten steel weathers over time and changes its appearance but doesn’t ever look outdated
Large windows and sliding glass doors help to connect the living areas to the courtyard and to let the natural light inside
Large windows and sliding glass doors help to connect the living areas to the courtyard and to let the natural light inside
The house features a very simple overall geometry based on clean lines and angles and also pure materials
The house features a very simple overall geometry based on clean lines and angles and also pure materials
There's also a visible industrial influence in this project
There’s also a visible industrial influence in this project

 

The house and tree don't compete with each other but coexist harmoniously
The house and tree don’t compete with each other but coexist harmoniously