TEXT

Situated within the landscape of the Pampean plain, Casa View is designed around the possibilities and limitations of new residential subdivisions in traditionally rural areas.

The project is organized as a succession of continuous spaces in a 360° ascending spiral that follows the unfolding of the horizon, establishing a relationship between the perception of the surrounding landscape and the everyday choreography of domestic life.

The exterior perimeter wall was defined and built using local techniques typically used in the construction of silos and small bridges, and its rustic finish exposes the marks of its execution. In contrast, the interior of the house is a continuous, polished, smooth landscape, alternating white interior volumes with views of the surroundings.

In defining the openings, consideration was also given to the location of future neighbors and to reducing energy demands by controlling their recess relative to the façade, facilitating cross ventilation, and providing abundant natural light. By varying in orientation, height, and depth, each opening captures a different type of light and view, offering a range of relationships between interior and exterior.

As the culmination of the house’s spatial sequence, an exterior concrete staircase leads to a panoramic lookout on the rooftop terrace, from which the landscape is rediscovered in its entirety from a new height.

DISTINCTIONS

– AIA Next LA Citation Award, 2004. American Institute of Architects, USA

– Medalla de Plata Argentina. CICA, 2009. XII Bienal de Buenos Aires, Argentina

– House of the Year, Finalista, 2009. WAN Residential Awards. London, UK

– AR HOUSE Award, Commended, 2009. Architectural Review. London, UK

– Premio Bienal SCA, Mención, 2010. Sociedad Central Arquitectos, Argentina

– Premio ARQ / FADEA, Mención 2011. Región Santa Fe, Argentina

– Premio Porcelanosa Venis, 2011. Segundo Premio viviendas unifamiliares. Valencia, España

– AIA LA Honor Citation Award 2011. American Institute of Architects, USA

– Nominada. MCHAP for Emerging Architecture 2014. IIT, Chicago, USA

TEAM

Sharon Johnston, Mark Lee (JohnstonMarklee) Diego Arraigada (Diego Arraigada Arquitectos) Juliana Esposito, Jeff Adams, Pablo Gamba,Nazarena Infante, Nadia Carassai, Anne Rosenberg, Anton Schneider

DEVELOPER

Lucas Ma

CONSULTANTS

Gonzalo Garibay (ingeniería estructural)

CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

MECSA

FLOOR AREA

361 m2

PHOTOS

Gustavo Frittegotto