Argentina-based architecture studio Estudio Opaco has completed a private house made of brick envelope that maintains privacy with play of light and shadow inside in Córdoba, Argentina. 

Named Casa Santina (or House Santina), the 420-square-metre house is located on a corner lot facing a historic school. The architects aimed to protect the house from the outside and open it completely to the inside. 

The project was designed on two levels, a ground floor for the social area and an upper floor for the private area. On the outside, brick prevails for the entire envelope, even being used as a screening to intensify the privacy. 

Concrete was also used as a complementary element that appears outside and inside the house.

The architects used locally sourced materials and they strategically selected these materials for their durability and insulation properties that obstruct much of the heat from entering the home. 

Inside, the studio sought to generate spacious and bright spaces that accompany the life of this young family. Wood was commonly used for all furniture, floor, and ceiling finishes as a way to bring warmth into the home. 

At the entrance, you are greeted by a floating staircase and a large window that erases all boundaries between the inside and outside garden. For the private sector, two wings were created, one for children and one for parents with a private terrace. 

The project was carefully designed to adapt to future changes the family will have in the upcoming years.

Ground floor plan

Upper floor plan

Section

Section

Elevation

Elevation

Elevation

Project facts

Project Name: CASA SANTINA
Architecture Office: ESTUDIO OPACO
Construction completion year: 2020
Constructed area: 420 m2
Location: Valle Escondido, Córdoba, Córdoba

All images © Gonzalo Viramonte

All drawings © Estudio Opaco

> via Estudio Opaco