House N by A3 Luppi Ugalde Winter in Belen de Escobar, Argentina

Project: House N
Architects: A3 Luppi Ugalde Winter
Location: Belen de Escobar, Argentina
Area: 3,369 sq ft
Photos: Albano Garcia

House N by A3 Luppi Ugalde Winter

A3 Luppi Ugalde Winter completed the House N project in Belen de Escobar, Argentina. This modern house offers just under 3500 square feet of excellent living space characterized by exposed concrete and wooden details. The main aspect of the design is internal-external living, oriented more towards nature.

This house was created to become an outdoor dwelling. The main characteristic of the area was its flooding, as it is located in the delta of the Parana River. This required raising the building. Considering these conditions and the limited size of the lot, the task was to obtain maximum space on the first floor for social areas. The existence of a water artery in the background inspired the idea to direct main views in that direction.

Gallery House

Following these guidelines, the idea of creating a gallery house emerges, with views open to water and public activities occupying the first floor. This gallery is the main space. The pool represents a transparent plane, and two side staircases complete the set and connect the structure to the ground. The house stands on the landscape.

Nature of the Structure. Defying Gravity

According to the dictionary, gravity is a natural phenomenon by which objects with mass attract one another. A monolithic concrete element floating in the air. The house seems to have grown from nature, striving to capture and make the landscape its own. The goal was to create a complex where structure, program, and material merge into one concept — a system where components blend but each retains its internal logic. The structural concept is based on the placement of two partitions and a large beam from which the second floor hangs. The sloped roof acts as a connecting element.

These elements open and close, become opaque or perforated in response to functional needs, highlighting visual effects and guiding routes.

Such elements open and close, become opaque or perforated in response to functional needs, highlighting visual effects and guiding routes. Regarding materiality, the texture is created by the design of formwork made from processed boards that create light and shadow play due to varied edges. The entire model allows evaluating concrete without losing the visibility of wood texture.

Spatial / Functional Organization

The house is divided into programmatic zones. The first floor forms a single space crossing the lot from street to water. Living room and kitchen together with the gallery form one whole. The service zone complements the main zones through a side corridor. On the upper floor, bedrooms are arranged — a system of aligned rooms facing water.

"My house is my sanctuary, emotional architecture, not cold convenience" - Luis Barran

House N is a blend of structure, architecture and materiality. Understanding that the completed object matters if it transcends its specific function and becomes an event for those who observe it, as well as for those who live in it.

–A3 Luppi Ugalde Winter