ZGZ | iHouse estudio | Blancarena, Colonia, Uruguay

Modular retreat between forest and countryside

In the quiet coastal-countryside area of Blancarena, Uruguay, ZGZ by iHouse estudio reimagines modern relaxation — a pre-assembled modular structure designed as a temporary sanctuary for rest and reconnecting with nature.

The client, a resident abroad, commissioned the project. It combines the warmth of traditional wooden cabins with the precision and efficiency of modern modular construction. Designed as a balance between comfort, sustainability, and simplicity, this cabin offers a peaceful space to disconnect from urban life and stay in harmony with nature.

Design concept and philosophy

The brief called for a restful cabin — cozy, compact, and durable, capable of delivering the emotional warmth of a countryside retreat, while integrating rational resource use essential to modern living.

Located at the boundary between the local forest and a small town, the cabin responds to site conditions defined by contrasts — wild and cultivated nature, raw and domestic. Instead of blending into the environment, the home stands out with its clear geometric purity, existing as an architectural artifact that respectfully interacts with natural conditions.

Modular construction and process

Due to logistical and environmental challenges of on-site construction in such a remote, natural region, iHouse opted for full pre-assembly of the structure in its production workshop, where all projects are designed and built under supervision.

This process offers several advantages:

• Quality control, ensured by continuous oversight from architects and specialists.

• Protection from weather changes, enabling continuous and precise construction.

• Reduced environmental impact, eliminating waste and minimizing heavy machinery use.

• Efficient transportation and rapid installation, with final assembly completed in just a few days.

By integrating design and construction phases into a single streamlined process, the studio achieved a sustainable, efficient, and high-quality result, transferring the precision of factory production into architectural warmth.

Space organization and typology

ZGZ consists of two pre-assembled modules joined along the long side, forming a single rectangular volume. The first module houses all service areas — kitchen, bathrooms, and utility systems — while the second contains living, dining, and sleeping spaces.

The linear layout creates a functional yet spatially open plan, where:

• Private zones are located at the ends of the house.

• Public zones are in the center, directly connected to the exterior.

• Movement is minimized to maximize usable space, emphasizing clarity and flow.

Full-height glazing on the main facade opens onto a covered gallery, extending interior space outdoors and creating panoramic views of the surrounding greenery. This flexible boundary between inside and outside enhances comfort and climate adaptability.

Form, materials, and expression

Visually, the home presents a clean monolithic form — a contemporary interpretation of the archetypal cabin. Its minimalist geometry contrasts with, yet harmonizes with, the organic landscape.

Materials reflect iHouse’s modern construction philosophy:

• Steel frame and modular panels, ensuring structural strength and precision.

• Wooden finishes, conveying warmth and familiarity, reminiscent of traditional cabins.

• Large glass openings, enabling direct contact with nature.

With a restrained palette and clear tectonic logic, ZGZ achieves a balance between modern design and rural atmosphere, technological rigor, and sensory comfort.

Integration with nature and efficiency

The design demonstrates how pre-assembled architecture can embody sustainability not just visually.

• Minimal site impact thanks to off-site construction.

• Natural cross-ventilation, enabled by strategically placed openings.

• Thermal efficiency, achieved through modular insulation systems.

• Passive solar heating, optimized via north-facing windows and shading.

These features reduce the home’s ecological footprint while enhancing comfort in Uruguay’s moderate coastal climate.

ZGZ by iHouse estudio is a thoughtful exploration of how modular design can foster harmony between innovation and nature. Through precise planning, efficient assembly, and temporal simplicity, it redefines the countryside cabin as a modern sanctuary for contemporary life.

Located between technology and tranquility, this small yet elegant cabin reflects a broader architectural philosophy: less construction, more connection.

Photo © Aldo LanziPhoto © Aldo LanziPhoto © Aldo LanziPhoto © Aldo LanziPhoto © Aldo LanziPhoto © Aldo LanziPhoto © Aldo LanziPhoto © Aldo LanziPhoto © Aldo LanziPhoto © Aldo LanziPhoto © Aldo LanziPhoto © Aldo LanziPhoto © Aldo LanziPhoto © Aldo LanziPhoto © Aldo Lanzi

Drawings

Photo © Aldo LanziPhoto © Aldo LanziPhoto © Aldo LanziPhoto © Aldo LanziPhoto © Aldo LanziPhoto © Aldo LanziPhoto © Aldo LanziPhoto © Aldo Lanzi