The Black House By Andres Remy Arquitectos

Argentinian studio Andres Remy Arquitectos completed the Black House project in 2007.

This 3,552 square-foot residence is located in a gated neighborhood 45 miles away from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The Black House / Andres Remy Arquitectos:

“The black house was born at the request of a young couple, brought to us by another of our projects, “The Waterfall House,” which gave us the challenge of improving what we had done at that moment, taking advantage of the freedom they gave us during the design.
This single house is located in a closed neighborhood, 30km from Buenos Aires. The lot, 20 meters wide and 50 meters long with 3 meters of lateral retreats, has fantastic views of the lake we could not set aside.

The lot analysis showed us the advantages and disadvantages we should consider throughout the design process. The best views of the lake were at the back of the lot, while the best orientation was at the front. The surrounding houses and the wide lot marked the visuals we should use.

The simple program, for a socially engaged couple without children, made relevant resolution of the social areas. We decided to divide the social spaces in two. The common areas are on one side, such as the kitchen and dining room. On the other side is located the living room, closer to the lake.

The shallow pool that divides the house in two allows the indirect light to bathe the interiors as the northern sun reflects its light on the water’s surface. This way, light is present in every corner of the house, but never in a direct way.

Both programs are connected by a glass bridge, with the water under your feet.
The living room, 10 meters wide and 5 meters long, opens to the exterior using glass walls. It was considered lower than the rest of the house, making it porous and allowing the ambients a clear view of the lake.

The resolution of the first floor follows the same criteria of differencing areas. At the front are the bedrooms for the future children, with views of the lake. As a bridge joining the two volumes on the lower floor is the main bedroom with a giant overhang that conquers the best views of the lake, seeming to float over the water.

The Black House has almost provocative sobriety, where the pure white on the inside provokes a dynamic contrast with the absolute black on the outside, reminding the bite of an apple. A vital characteristic that names the house.”

Photos by: Andres Remy Arquitectos

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