Buenos Aires Home a Fusion of Modern Materials and Natural Elements

Artsy and modern, this expansive home in Buenos Aires is a fusion of modern architecture and wide-open spaces. Designed by Ciudad y Arquitectura, the property is an angular structure of glass, concrete and metal that somehow blends with the surrounding vegetation and lawns.

The neutral colors of the home blend well with the natural elements.
The neutral colors of the home blend well with the natural elements.
Wood front door and large plants
Wood front door and large plants

Located in the city of Moreno, it is a neighborhood of tree-lined streets, plentiful gardens, and wide open spaces. The house actually faces a large park in the the area, called the San Diego neighborhood. While the scale of the house matches the neighboring properties, it is unique in its styling and architectural expression. The materials used are edgy and modern, but they blend into the surroundings with the concrete the same color as the bark on the trees and windows reflecting the trees and shrubs outside.

Long and minimalist, the home is decidedly modern.
Long and minimalist, the home is decidedly modern.
Dramatic elements like the steel panels make all the difference.
Dramatic elements like the steel panels make all the difference.

The concrete is the dominant material of the structure and defines the spaces, which are accented with large windows. The steel panels serve as a stylistic element that pulls together all the parts and as an additional privacy screen. In addition, the panels can slide, offering a flexible means of adjusting light, privacy and design. A concrete panel across the exterior breaks up the wide swath of windows and helps tie the design together.

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The weathered finish and random design give the metal a more organic feel.
The massive panels slide along rails new the edge of the concrete deck.
The massive panels slide along rails new the edge of the concrete deck.
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Floor-to-ceiling windows reflect the trees and foliage surrounding the house.

Rather than plain expanses of concrete, the contemporary design includes elements such as planter areas on both levels and rounded, porthole-style openings that provide additional glimpses out the trees and sky.

The portholes are a modern and minimalist design element.
The portholes are a modern and minimalist design element.

A built-in planting area that runs the length of the house is another opportunity to add a natural element to the concrete structure. It is matched on the lower level with a water garden punctuated by pots of taller plantings. Both add greenery and a calming water feature to the house, which can be enjoyed from the inside as well as the outside.

The long planting area is actually a water garden.
The long planting area is actually a water garden.

From the inside of the house, the outdoor design elements enhance the view and add interest. The porthole lightens the visual of the exterior wall and adds a tantalizing peek at the trees.

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Outdoor design elements are visible from the indoors.
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The dramatic entryway sets the mood for the rest of the house.

A dramatic two-story entryway highlights the drama of the tall windows and provides a spectacular view of the greenery and foliage outside. The view is also filtered by the sliding steel panels, whose laser-cut custom design has the look of a jazzed-up lacy material. The long, streamlined light fixture plays well with the minimalist design and emphasizes the height and length of the space.

Minimalist stairs are fronted by a glass partition that serves as a safety wall for the landing but allows plenty of light to flow through and accentuates the open view through both sides of the home. The house opens onto a central patio in the back with a view that is again focused on outdoor vegetation.

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Alongside the stairs, a concrete wall is made of long, horizontal panels that present variations in texture and color. In this manner, the wall is as much an art feature as it is a functional part of the structure. The contrast with the plain wall also helps draw attention to the variegated panel.

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Variations in the look of the concrete add interest to the walls.

The split staircase has a modern design, with the dark steel structure serving as side rails as well as the support for the wooden risers.  The ends of the wood planks form a dotted line design that visually appealing and breaks up the expansive of metal. The design is also a great play between modern materials and natural tones. echoing the overall feel of the home.

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The ends of the wooden risers are also a design element.

Wide open and casual, the living room has plenty of space for family activities and great views to the outdoors. The combination of concrete walls and ceiling with a natural, light colored wood floor create the perfect backdrop for a mix of modern furnishings and animal print rugs. Moreover, the variegated concrete panel from the entry way is repeated here in a small section next to the fireplace.

Variations in the look of the concrete add interest to the walls.
Variations in the look of the concrete add interest to the walls.

Maintaining an open look in the kitchen can be a challenge but in this home, a modular unit serves as a room divider from one side and kitchen storage section form the other. It is also a dramatic visual divider between the kitchen are and the rest of the home.

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In a totally neutral color palette, this pop of red makes a dramatic statement.
The hall to the kitchen offers a look at the various design details.
The hall to the kitchen offers a look at the various design details.

The house opens onto a central patio in the back, with the bedrooms located in the top level for privacy. The two-level backyard allows the master suite to have a private terrace of grass and plantings, separate from the lower yard and pool area.

The upper grassy terrace is a natural extension of the master suite.
The upper grassy terrace is a natural extension of the master suite.
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The hallway to the bedrooms provides expansive views of the property.

All parts of the house offer views of the pool, patio and yard. This provides a strong connection with the outdoors and brings ample amounts of natural light into the home. The green yard is a softer element that mitigates any harshness that can arise from some modern, concrete designs.

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the lower level opens out to the pool and yard.

The backyard area of this Argentinean home exudes relaxation. Comfortable lounges with a shade cover and accented with plenty of warm wood decking around the pool. The grass beyond is bordered by a thick and lush strip of trees, shrubs and plantings, providing plenty of natural privacy.

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The minimalist design continues in the pool area.
Back deck casa hk
Warm wood decking adds another organic element to the patio area.