Casa S by Alric Galindez Architects
Alric Galindez Architects designed the Casa S in Bariloche, Argentina.
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Casa S by Alric Galindez Architects
The house is a result of several stone boxes piled up on the side of a sloping area. Each one of these cases points and frames an outstanding view, where we can find Catedral, Otto, and Ventana mountains, as main characters of the landscape seen from inside.
The space is organized so that it can be divided in different zones, depending on the number of persons that are actually using the place. During most of the year, the house can be used by areas, smaller homes inside the big house for single couple trips or for groups of friends in leisure plans, or even both of them happening at the same time. These variety of layouts transform the inside life of the house, growing, changing, adapting, evolving.
We used local stones to keep a coherent language with the harsh and wonderful surrounding, trying to create the idea that the house was always there, just as another rock or an unnoticed natural feature. Snow seasons reinforce the idea. A white vast dominating view, only a few mountain peaks appear in dark contrast, and the house always there.
The social area is placed on the access level, dominating the best views captured by white calm boxes from inside, opposing to the overwhelming exterior. The master bedroom, and the guests room share this level too, each facing a different mountain, in this surprising kaleidoscope of sights.
On the ground floor level, the rooms for the kids, shaped by the land slope, creating different situations and volumes, and a two level loft, due to a sudden depression on the terrain becomes the boys master space.
As an extension of the deck, a sinuous wooden stair guides us to the last box, resting a few steps below. A sightseeing Jacuzzi offers the best sunset views of lake Gutierrez, and below the wooden deck, a warm gym and a sauna complete this relax an inspiring lookout, in an ideal mood, slightly above the Patagonian valley.
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Visit the Alric Galindez Architects website – here.
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shane on 11 Mar 2011 at 10:59 am #
great example of a project complimenting it’s environment. Very tasteful. The camping chairs look hilarious, I hope they were meant as a joke.
Eric on 11 Mar 2011 at 5:28 pm #
Shane, those are not camping chairs…expensive designer chairs is in fact what they are.
Christine on 11 Mar 2011 at 11:26 pm #
One of the most beautiful buildings I’ve seen in a long time. Reminds me of John Lautner’s work. Moving in it’s connection to the landscape.
shane on 14 Mar 2011 at 10:33 am #
Eric, they shouldn’t be
Maira Evans on 15 Mar 2011 at 1:45 pm #
There is something captivating about his house and the blending with its surroundings. I don’t feel extremely overwhelmed by its design but its the whole picture that does the trick. Well done!
city_boy on 17 Mar 2011 at 2:10 pm #
I agree with Maria Evans. The forms are peculiar, but in its setting, the project works beautifully!