Conquering simplicity. Built with traditional methods, noble materials and a limited budget, this contemporary design culminates a 20 year dream of a family of artists who teams up to conceive their weekend home through this L shaped house. Space experimentation is essential for the concept where its different volumes and changing ceiling heights c... read more

Conquering simplicity. Built with traditional methods, noble materials and a limited budget, this contemporary design culminates a 20 year dream of a family of artists who teams up to conceive their weekend home through this L shaped house. Space experimentation is essential for the concept where its different volumes and changing ceiling heights create different atmospheres as well as sustainability which is implemented by the use of local materials, natural illumination and cross ventilation which allows natural breeze to flow. Like a giant colander. The asymmetry of its 25 windows frames thousands of views of the Argentine pampas and the house dialogues with the land, suggesting a tension not only between horizontality and verticality but also of what is shown and what is not. Light filters through the windows bounces off the walls and confuses the shadows dance around the volumes. These multiple vistas arouse curiosity, contemplation and motion, resembling paintings coming alive or screens capturing the changes of light and time; the harvesting of the crops, the deepness of the horizon and the ancient ombu tree. 
Welcoming. The L shape concept creates not only a functional organization of public and private spaces, but also embraces a welcoming reception on the south that mediate the crossing of scales; the macro scale of the land and the micro scale of the house. A contemporary reinterpretation of the porch of the local “rancho pampeano” mediates interior and exterior spaces on the north front. Vertical slots and changes of height, articulate the three boxes. 
Inviting. Flexibility was key for the changing demands of the project. Activities vary from reading, painting, exhibiting art, and gathering around the fireplace in the built in lay beds which accommodate spontaneous guests; according to Garcia Faure “my first house, as an incursion into the personal space, is a meeting  place for my family and friends”. 
The design was developed in Chicago by Manuela Garcia Faure Architecture with technical documentation, construction administration and site inspection by Architect Juan Manuel Lorenzo in Buenos Aires.
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