Nestled on a flat corner lot, C&G House stands on the boundary between two urbanized areas in the northern part of Pinamar city. A large tree-lined boulevard virtually divides high-density multifamily lots from the only area permitted for single-family homes. The highly trafficked Ameghino Boulevard is one of the main West-East connections of the area.

Project Name: C&G house
Studio Name: Estudio Galera
Location: Pinamar, Partido de Pinamar, Bs As., Argentina.
Project Construction: 2021 – 2023
Lot Area: 938 m2
Building Area: 532 m2
Photography: Diego Medina

C&G house by Estudio Galera-Sheet1
©Diego Medina

The project necessarily places the access on the boulevard, as the residence is set on a corner lot with its rear section facing north and a pedestrian passage on the shortest side. Restrictions imposed by the building code, combined with the demands set on the program requirements resulted in a brief of particular complexity.

C&G house by Estudio Galera-Sheet3
©Diego Medina

The distribution of spaces both horizontally and vertically results in a comprehensive program that encompasses expansions, garages and a habitual post-pandemic requirement: a large workspace. These spaces, along with other requested rooms, consume the maximum allowable construction area.

C&G house by Estudio Galera-Sheet6
©Diego Medina
C&G house by Estudio Galera-Sheet9
©Diego Medina

A descending street runs parallel to the boulevard, leading to the garages and turning into a natural passage that spans the entire length and height of the lot. This, in turn, generates air currents that ventilate the three levels and ensures natural lighting on all floors. The walls forming this inner street are separated from the upper floor by columns resting on walls, preventing contact between elements. Due to level differences, the main floor of the house is elevated 1.50 meters from street level. This strategy, combined with vegetation and topography management, ensures privacy in various parts of the dwelling.

C&G house by Estudio Galera-Sheet10
©Diego Medina

Floating 3.60meters above ground level, a box nestling the bedrooms creates the appearance of a frame or portal hanging over the entrance. On this level, a guest room faces the pedestrian passage, and to the north, as an extension of the living and dining areas, the barbecue area finds its place. This space is essentially an elevated expansion of the terrain that expands the interior boundaries and spatial perception through the continuity of flooring and beams forming a pergola. An incomplete box in height shelters the bedrooms, closing off from the street and enhancing views to the north.

C&G house by Estudio Galera-Sheet11
©Diego Medina

The house manifests as a large horizontal body resting on a few points connecting it to the ground, with a concrete box on top, closed off on its most exposed sides. The residence acts as a filter against the invasive multifamily zoning while enhancing the relationship with outdoor living.

Author

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