Costa Esmeralda House by BAK Architects – a cozy and spacious house in the middle of the forest, Argentina

The unusual Costa Esmeralda House structure, designed BAK Architects in 2011, is located in La Esmeralda, Argentina. This modern and spacious house with its straight and sharp lines clearly contrasts with the uneven forested ground on which it is built.

It has been called the architects’ first architects’ first by BAK Architects in Costa Esmeralda, the design of which began in 2004.

The residence covers a total surface area of about 120 square meters and the views of the Plaza Española in Buenos Aires are a pleasure to live in. meters. The palpable slope of the terrain, the lush greenery of the surrounding vegetation and the coastal dunes were positive design points, given the lack of other buildings in the neighborhood. However, the drastic temperature changes, especially during winter and summer, and the strong winds that are common in the province of Buenos Aires made the construction process difficult and had a direct impact on the final result.

The clients were a family of five (spouses and three children) who wanted a house that would not require frequent repairs or expensive maintenance, and would be spacious, with at least two bedrooms. The owners’ plan was to have a large social area in the house, where the whole family could gather to watch movies and listen to music. In addition, the owners needed extra bedrooms for guests who often visit them with their children.

The Costa Esmeralda country house was designed as a summer retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, where The view from the windows is superb against the emerald greenery of the acacia trees. It is represented by two main structures that are perpendicular to each other and include public and private areas. Such a peculiar architectural approach was dictated by the topography as well as climatic features of the region.

The architects used the L-shape to make the house both open and private at the same time. The main entrance to the house is located on the upper level of the structure, it also houses the living room and common area. There is also a guest bedroom adjoining.

From here you have a wonderful view of the local vegetation, which is site decoration and makes the lower level more private and enclosed. Also designed downstairs are two master bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms.

Structurally the house is made of concrete and is not a particularly costly project in terms of maintenance. The large open terrace and main entrance protect the lower spaces from the scorching sun on summer days. The interior is cleverly protected by revolving shutters.

Because the house was built in the dunes and is destined to be a refuge for its owners in the summer from the scorching sun and torrential rains and winds in the winter, it was designed with maximum insulation. So the patio was also protected by the upper level of the structure. Heating and cooling issues were resolved by using split systems since the client was in the process of producing this type of equipment.

The interior is also made of concrete, but this cold atmosphere is diluted with elements of wood and brick, which give the exterior a warm and bring comfort. The bathrooms were finished with white enameled ceramic wall coverings.

Large panoramic windows from floor to ceiling add a lot of light and openness to the spaces, creating a feeling of being in nature.

In front of the house there are a lot of acacias, which provide extra privacy for the private space of the mansion owners.

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