A flat lot in a gated community in Pinamar, Argentina opens as a fan from east to west, from the street side to the rear facade. A few young pine trees serve as a gentle filter between the property, neighbors and fields of the small town of General Juan Madariaga. These were the first project-specific details for a vacation home that would provide ample space for gathering and entertaining. Furthermore, the customers wanted a house where the rooms could be used more quietly during the holidays, the senses would be awake and contemplating the surroundings would be a rewarding experience. The house resulting from the commission is a modern structure consisting of two overlapping, crossed volumes. Concrete inside and out characterizes the entire architecture of the holiday home and creates an interesting contrast to the natural surroundings.
Concrete inside and out in the middle of a natural environment
The two seemingly monolithic concrete structures are overlapped, crossed and rest on a platform to form Casa AYYA. Raised above the average property level, AYYA dominates the surroundings and sets an accent on the surrounding nature. The crossed components guarantee different views of the two plans - to the west and to the north, and ensure goodSunlight in all rooms.
The project understands and promotes the need for social gatherings. The modern house is therefore arranged around a patio, a terrace and a pool, which, like a water mirror, multiplies the effect of sunlight. A swing hangs from a cantilevered beam, which underlines the holiday spirit of the holiday home.
On the ground floor, the residence closes to the front to preserve the privacy of the residents, muffle the sounds of the neighborhood and reinforce the decision to open the house to the west. The boundaries of the house disappear through the complete opening of the windows, creating large, open spaces where “the inside” and “the outside” melt. The use of concrete inside and outside is clearly evident here. The concrete slab breaks over the living-dining room and removes the transition between inside and outside. The interior and exterior spaces merge into one another and create a spacious living area.
A prominent concrete wall separates the living-dining area from the kitchen. She goes upstairs into oneConcrete roofingabove, which resembles a pergola. The parallel openings filter sunlight and create an interesting interplay between light and shadow. In the morning hours the shade extends to the pool and returns to the house throughout the day to provide the terrace for sunbathing.
On the other side of the concrete partition is the kitchen. Here the outer wall is also completely glazed and can be completely opened to the outside area. This enlarges the otherwise small kitchen, which has a small kitchen island. The area in front of the kitchen is completely protected from rain and sun as the upper floor is above it. This covered outdoor space provides the perfect space for alfresco dining and relaxing.
Since the front facade has no windows in the classic sense, the large living room on the ground floor is completely protected from prying eyes from the street. Two rows of small cast glass elements provide more light and an interesting play of light in the concrete house. They can also be found on the upper floor – in the form of an entire partition wall between the rooms.
The upper floor looks like a separate component positioned crosswise above the ground floor. This is where the private rooms such as bedrooms and bathrooms are located. A playroom is also available to residents.
The rooms are characterized by their size; They are neutral and not coated. These spaces have not been “designated” to give the owner flexibility in use. The markings of the formwork and the monitored imperfection are considered advantages: structure, color and texture merge and emphasize the character of AYYA.
All materials are selected to keep the maintenance of the house to a minimum, taking into account that the impact that the climate has on them is a continuation of the construction process. The interior of the concrete walls inside and out is completely filled with expanded polystyrene panels so that they can provide better insulation.
The materials show what they are because their surface is not treated. Like the construction process, they remain directly and permanently in the building.
The unconventional reinforced concrete towers over the site and rests on a platform, contrasting with the neighborhood's typical house. The residence turns into an auditorium where you can watch every sunset. This represents the greatest advantage of Casa AYYA - capturing the spirit of the rural environment where the sun sets every afternoon.
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Project: Casa AYAYA
Stadort: Pinamar, Buenos Aires, Argentinien
Architekten: Estudio Galera –website
Project year: 2017
Style: Modern
Total area of the property: 1480 m²
Living space: 290 m²
Photography: Diego Medina
