Building Of The Day: Concrete For Living In

Architizer News

Building Of The Day: Concrete For Living In

December 14, 2012

Building: Costa Esmeralda House
Architect: BAK Arquitectos
Location: Pinimar, Argentina
Why We Liked This:

We won’t ever hide our obsession for concrete. We love it, and so should you. People say that concrete can’t make a good house (one imagines the refrain: “Brutalism doesn’t fare well at any scale, let alone at the scale of the house”), but this project (and others) is evidence to the contrary. BAK Arquitectos have an affinity for concrete, and, as their portfolio can attest, nearly all of the projects— mostly residential structures —apply the stuff to great effect. The frame of the Costa Esmeralda House is entirely cast in beton brut, which is left untreated, or at least, uncovered on all the exterior and interior surfaces. The L-shaped plan comprises two wings, one for living and communal spaces, the other for private rooms. They are connected by enjoined patios and sculptural concrete stairs and footbridges. Wood louvers on the southern ribbon window and the colorful fixtures inside play nicely off the ubiquitous grey, while the sandy site impart the house with a strange surreality that’s rather fitting. See more of this project in the Architizer database here.

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