Located within a waterfront gated community on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, the house presents itself as a solid yet restrained volume facing the river landscape. Clad entirely in corten steel, the architecture balances privacy toward the street with openness toward the water. The project is conceived through a deliberate interplay of contrasts: protection and exposure, mass and transparency, solidity and lightness.
The street façade appears introspective and monolithic. The continuous corten steel envelope lends the house a bold, timeless presence, while black-framed glazing and controlled openings reinforce its contained character. In contrast, the rear elevation fully unfolds toward the river, dissolving boundaries between interior and exterior.
Entry is defined by a carefully composed sequence of metal planes and vegetation, guiding movement toward a central courtyard. This void acts as an organizing element, bringing natural light and ventilation deep into the plan while establishing a constant dialogue with nature. Strategic openings frame outward views and create visual connections that extend spatial perception beyond the built form.
Inside, material continuity reinforces the architectural narrative. Timber surfaces wrap floors, ceilings, and built-in elements, introducing warmth and tactile contrast to the steel exterior. Linear slatted ceilings accentuate spatial direction and draw the eye outward. Steel and black metal elements — expressed in the staircase, railings, and fireplace — introduce precision and a subtle industrial tone that counterbalances the warmth of the wood.
The main living area unfolds within a double-height volume, enhancing spatial generosity while maintaining intimacy. An upper-level library overlooks the social space below, strengthening vertical connectivity and reinforcing the sense of openness. Large glazed panels facing the waterfront extend the living areas toward a semi-covered terrace and pool deck, where reflections of water animate the interior surfaces.
On the upper floor, a terrace sheltered by a curved roof frames the sky and river views. This soft gesture introduces a nuanced counterpoint to the otherwise orthogonal geometry, creating a protected space for contemplation.
Rather than asserting dominance over its surroundings, the house establishes a measured dialogue with its nautical setting. The evolving patina of the corten steel and the gradual growth of vegetation are embraced as integral to an architecture designed to age gracefully over time.