When Argentinian architecture firm Alric Galindez approached the beach front property 230 miles from Buenos Aires, they took careful note of the landscape. Situated on sand dunes with the ocean on one side and the pampas plains on the other, they sought to build a house that would provide for the needs of both environment extremes and celebrate the beauty of each. For this weekend beachfront retreat, the house would not be a compromise, but would highlight the best of both of those very different worlds, using materials and methods that would be minimally invasive to the landscape.
A system of poles were sunk into the fragile sand dunes, stabilizing and supporting a single concrete foundation. The home was built with corrugated metal and reclaimed wood, and an ingenious ventilation system takes advantage of the windy plains to control the interior temperature. The sea side terrace is designed to capture sun and salted air, while the plains side has a deeply sheltered porch to protect from dominant winds.
Within, bedrooms are tucked into a mezzanine below the A-line roof, to maximize volume and versatility of the interior. Glazed facades maximize light and invite the contrasting landscapes to participate with the inhabitants, emphasizing the escape from urban environments. Alric Galindez has reinvented beachfront weekend cabin design with minimal impact and maximum enjoyment of the surrounding Pampas.
