Casa Magnolia
Located in a neighborhood context of San Isidro, where nature predominates, Casa Magnolia is sited to coexist with the pre-existing elements of the environment. Situated on a plot that has an old colonial-style mansion on the adjacent lot, the treatment of the exterior envelope made of white brick stands out, adapting to the different ways of inhabiting the house through the interplay of the pattern: thanks to these solids and voids, at times the resolution of this enclosure acts as a parasol to control morning light in the staircase core, and at others, the pattern generates privacy in the service area, allowing light and ventilation to enter. The decision to construct the entire dwelling using a single material creates great visual impact and conceptual clarity in the project. Its ethereal image coexists and contrasts with the nature that surrounds it. It generates an architectural silence that respects and values the old constructions around it.
Towards the urban space, a fairly compact and closed dwelling is visualized, controlling privacy and security. Crossing the metal enclosure, pedestrian access to the house is gained through a lateral path, which is accompanied by vegetation and leads to an access patio, with northern orientation, that provides natural lighting to the dwelling all day. This void is emphasized by a first-floor screen wall that appears to float in space.
The public sector is developed on the ground floor, opening its uninterrupted views, thanks to the continuous windows, to the garden, which has an ancient Magnolia tree that has great prominence in the landscape design. The gallery forms a large meeting space and transition between interior and exterior. The service area is located towards the south side of the lot. Below this level is the basement that has a micro cinema and a wine cellar.
The private sector is carried out on the upper floor, which is accessed through the staircase core that has an interplay of lights and shadows thanks to the aforementioned parasol. This level has a walkable terrace, which forms a viewpoint towards the treetops and neighboring constructions. The brick summarizes the entire volume and is naturally incorporated into the fabric of dwellings that the neighborhood possesses.
The structural constitution of the dwelling is based on noble materials, but, above all, it was decided to work with a modern profile with white bricks, aluminum windows and doors and finishes in wood and natural stone. Pure forms and material continuation inside and outside the project were prioritized. The constant interaction with vegetation through patios and large planters blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior, promoting the integration of nature into routine.
Casa Magnolia is the union between sustainability and sophistication; the project presents elements that point to a better relationship with the environment and utilization of natural resources, maintaining a modern and elegant aesthetic.
First, its ecological white brick facade (imported from Spain) manages to reduce up to 31.8% of CO2 emissions per square meter compared to other traditional materials. Its efficient design and manufacturing stand out, as they are composed of 100% recycled materials that generate zero waste of water and materials in production, and their dimensions allow for a 49% reduction in mortar use, lightening the weight of the facade leaf by 22%.
Additionally, it incorporates a solar panel system that significantly optimizes energy consumption. The design is based on a rigorous thermal balance analysis, contemplating multiple passive strategies: bioclimatic orientation, hermetic double glazing (DVH), double-wall envelope, and the integration of green spaces both in planters and garden terraces.
This combination of technical and design solutions guarantees optimal thermal behavior and reduced environmental impact.
Casa Magnolia is distinguished by its elegant facade and a design that promotes natural light and privacy. The offset volumes create spatial tensions that dialogue organically with the surrounding landscaping, while the sequence of open spaces establishes a fluid interior-exterior connection, achieving a harmonious and contemporary environment ideal for users.
Structural calculations: Eng. José Luis Pisani
Photographer / Website: Alejandro Peral - http://www.alejandroperal.net/
Interior design: Design Lovers
Landscaping: Litoral paisajismo
Construction in the hands of Arch. Pablo Martinelli, Arch. Javier Orts
Arch. Associate: Arch. Lucila López
Team:
Arch. Denise Andreoli
Delfina Iglesias
Denise Bardelli
Renata Stechina
M. Emilia Belardinelli