The Casa Alba II, a 248-square-meter house in Buenos Aires, Argentina, showcases a unique architectural approach by studio Además Arquitectura. The design features a distinctive wall that curves around the corner of the lot, serving as both a boundary and a space-generating element. This wall is a central architectural device, organizing views, light, and circulation, and creating a controlled and atmospheric interior world. The project draws inspiration from the legacy of Luis Barragán, emphasizing an introspective approach that turns inward to create a distinct domestic experience.
One of the key aspects of the design is the use of exposed concrete, which is a departure from traditional construction methods. The material continuity and constructive clarity of the concrete create a monolithic presence, with the exterior wall reinforcing the building's solid form. Inside, the same material defines spaces with minimal intervention, allowing the spatial and atmospheric qualities to take center stage. Dark flooring and furniture are introduced to contrast with the concrete, intensifying the perception of light, shadow, and texture.
The perimeter wall also plays a crucial role in the house's functionality. It distances the residence from its suburban surroundings, filtering visual and spatial connections and reflecting natural light indirectly onto the interior of the wall into the house through large windows. This design element also assists in passive cooling by reducing solar exposure and allowing for ventilation through mirrored north and south patios, which draw cool breezes across the rectangular pool on the north side, through the interiors. Additionally, the concrete acts as a thermal mass during the cooler months, maintaining a stable warm temperature.
The Casa Alba II project highlights the importance of precision in geometry, structure, and openings when working with a limited material palette and a restrained formal language. It demonstrates a pursuit of a more introspective domestic condition without relinquishing oriented views, understanding the house as both a refuge and an expansive space simultaneously. This approach challenges the traditional relationship between domestic life and the city, offering a unique and captivating architectural experience.
