Manuela Pedraza House | Buenos Aires, Argentina

Carving out solids

Located on a small corner plot in Villa Urquiza, Buenos Aires, this single-family home is designed as an urban residence that actively engages with its immediate surroundings. Its architectural form defines the plot without fully occupying the buildable volume, reflecting a clear intent to preserve and enhance the adjacent urban voids.

Design Philosophy

The residence features a clean and contemporary volume, shaped by carefully positioned openings and well-considered wall configurations. The use of honest materials and crisp lines evokes a sense of simplicity, order, and serenity. Functionally, the home is organized around a large central patio and several terraces. These outdoor extensions serve as catalysts for daily life, fostering constant interaction between interior and exterior spaces.

Stereotomy is the primary architectural concept. Specifically, the house is conceived as a solid mass that has been carved out to create living spaces. Brick and concrete walls are selectively perforated to admit light and air, producing a dynamic interplay of solid and void that enriches the spatial experience. Finally, the proportions of the spaces are carefully calibrated to maintain a human scale and to harmonize with the surrounding neighborhood. The house not only serves its occupants but also contributes positively to the urban landscape, respecting and enhancing the character of the area.

Functional Organization

On the ground floor, directly connected to the street, a barbecue area provides a space for social and recreational activities. This level also includes a wine cellar -adding sophistication and utility- as well as a workshop/studio and the entrance hall, all of which open onto the patio. For privacy, the street-facing facade is shielded with a filter of micro-perforated aluminum sheet.

The first floor is the main living level, where daily activities take place. A generous living area opens onto a terrace with expansive views of the corner, visually enlarging the interior space. All rooms on this level are oriented toward the central patio, maintaining strong visual and spatial continuity. The second floor contains the bedrooms and a small studio, while the top floor houses the technical and service areas, including a green terrace and a pool -elements dedicated to recreation and leisure.

Materials & Sustainability

Vertical circulation is provided by a wooden and metal staircase overlooking the patio, which acts as the home’s dynamic center. This central patio not only organizes the internal layout but also allows abundant natural light and cross-ventilation, ensuring a bright, comfortable, and healthy environment. Additionally, sustainable design principles are integral to the project. The use of local and recyclable materials, along with a rainwater harvesting system, reduces environmental impact. The green terrace supports thermal regulation and improves air quality.

The material palette is deliberately minimal, composed of simple construction elements that come together in an elegant and subtle morphological synthesis. The result is an introspective dwelling, defined by carefully placed voids that connect with surrounding emptiness, creating a peaceful and highly functional refuge within the urban fabric.