Trica House | iHouse estudio | Chihuahua, Uruguay

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Modern minimalist cabin with open living area, large sliding glass doors and outdoor terrace surrounded by desert and local vegetation, perfectly suited for contemporary architecture and interior design.

Modular coastal resort built entirely through video calls

When the Uruguayan client living in Australia decided to build a country house on his homeland, distance became both a challenge and an inspiration. Created and built entirely through virtual collaboration, the Trica House by iHouse estudio embodies the future of architecture — where technology, sustainability and design precision converge across continents.

Located in Chihuahua, a rapidly developing coastal town in the Maldonado department, the house serves as both modern prefabricated housing and a nature-sensitive response. Without disrupting the local topography or vegetation, it was designed to combine minimal intervention with maximum efficiency, ensuring its completion — ready for occupancy — upon arrival of the owner from afar.

Concept and remote collaboration

The brief was clear: design and build coastal housing deeply connected to nature, utilize eco-friendly construction methods, and respect the ROUGH coastal terrain. The uniqueness was that everything had to be done remotely.

Each stage — from design concept to final detailing — was conducted through video conferences, making Trica House an example of digital age architectural collaboration.

To overcome the challenges posed by working 120 km from the construction site, architects turned to factory-built modular assembly, a method ensuring precision, consistency and speed, while minimizing waste and environmental impact.

Design and spatial organization

The house consists of two symmetrical prefabricated modules, joined along their long sides, forming a rectangular parallelepiped. This simple yet refined structure defines both the structural logic and aesthetic identity of the dwelling.

Inside, the plan is organized along two symmetrical axes, creating a balance between order and openness:

Central block separates public zones (living room, dining area, kitchen) from private zones (bedrooms and bathrooms).
Short and side facades remain mostly solid, providing privacy and protection from prevailing winds.
Long facades are clad in glass, fully opening to the landscape and extending interior space into nature.

The result is a compact yet spacious home that feels light, transparent and deeply integrated with its surroundings.

Modular construction and efficiency

Trica House was built using prefabricated steel modules, manufactured under controlled factory conditions. This off-site construction process ensured:

Consistent quality control, independent of weather or on-site variations.
Quick assembly, completed on site in less than a week.
Reduced material waste and lower carbon footprint compared to traditional construction.

The prefabricated components approach also allowed minimized ground disturbance, preserving natural contours and flora. Every element — from cladding to connections — was designed for precise fit and structural longevity.

Materials and atmosphere

The architectural expression of Trica House combines simplicity, clarity and texture.

Exterior appearance blends metal panels and neutral tones, reflecting coastal hues of sand and stone.
Inside, natural woods and clean surfaces create a sense of warmth and calm contrasted with the robust outer shell.
Large sliding glass panels blur the boundary between interior and exterior, inviting sea breeze and natural light to animate the space.

The overall experience is one of quiet modernity — a space where design and landscape coexist without competition.

Sustainability and ecological response

From the outset, Trica House was conceived as an ecologically efficient coastal dwelling.

Its modular production minimized waste and transportation emissions.
A compact footprint preserves most of the vegetation and natural permeability of the site.
Passive design strategies — including cross-ventilation, solar orientation and insulated panels — ensure comfort with minimal energy consumption.

This mindful approach to design makes the house a model of ecologically responsible prefabricated housing in Uruguay’s growing coastal regions.

Trica House by iHouse estudio demonstrates how architecture, technology and environmental respect can come together to create meaningful living spaces — even across continents.

What began as a digital experiment became a real testament to efficiency, sustainability and place attachment — a home that arrived ready but feels timeless in its environment.

It stands as proof that the future of architecture lies not only in innovation but also in human-centered adaptability, where design freely responds to global challenges and personal dreams.

Photos © Aldo Lanzi Trica House | iHouse estudio | Chihuahua, Uruguay