This standalone villa is situated within the El Rodeo gated community in La Calera, part of a series of suburban gated neighborhoods on the western outskirts of Córdoba city. The concept behind this residence is to offer a safer living environment while maintaining close contact with nature, all just minutes away from the city center.
The villa overlooks a hilly landscape that offers captivating views of the city. The steep slopes of the terrain significantly influence the design and construction, aiming to preserve the site’s environmental value.
This home is designed to accommodate a multi-generational family, with several members staying either long-term or temporarily. It offers a versatile and comprehensive living solution that also addresses the challenge of distance from the city. Spaces include flexible social areas, rest zones, entertainment and leisure spots, work and study rooms, health and comfort facilities, as well as service and storage areas.
The plot measures 20 by 30 meters, with a 7-meter elevation difference from the street to the rear. Several local trees stand in front of the property; these have been preserved to provide natural protection, enhance environmental quality, and reduce the visual impact of the house. The core of the property is occupied by stacked house structures, consisting of large blocks and activity areas.
By reshaping the terrain, two platforms were created: one serves as a passageway where the houses appear to float above, and the other connects the main corridor, courtyard, and swimming pool.
The design began with the concept of a pure, solid concrete volume, which then evolved into two stacked blocks through motion and displacement. Each block follows a unique spatial arrangement. This overlapping creates an intermediate space that shields the front exterior wall and enhances interaction between the interior and exterior. This results in galleries, terraces, balconies, and other transitional spaces between the exterior wall and courtyard. The blocks are also hollowed internally to allow for fluid movement and spatial integration across different levels.
A parking area and a semi-subterranean wine cellar were created at the pedestrian street level. Within this low-lying space made entirely of exposed concrete, a vertical loop connects all three levels of the house.
The main entrance is elevated, establishing its own height on the first floor. A floating concrete staircase bridges the height difference between indoor and outdoor spaces, forming a walkway sheltered under the trees.
A low, dimly lit underground area leads to the three lower levels, featuring a large skylight above the entrance hall and living room. The transparency at the front and rear is enhanced by vertical wooden screens, which create continuous visual connections to the community and courtyard.
The first block houses public functions, including a law office and main service areas. The restaurant and integrated kitchen extend vertically, with adjacent storage rooms lining the gallery at the rear, overlooking the courtyard and barbecue area. On the second floor of the second block, more private spaces are found: two bedrooms with a large cantilevered terrace overlooking the pool and a master suite featuring a dressing room and an en-suite bathroom designed for couples. This area also includes a game room and study.
La Calera has a historical legacy as a production site for lime and cement, materials widely used in urban construction. The choice of materials for this house reflects this local tradition.
The structure is an independent reinforced concrete block with large overhangs achieved by inverted reinforced concrete beams. Both the interior and exterior fences are clad with 5-centimeter-thick reinforced concrete slabs and ceramic tiles, providing a unified aesthetic and excellent thermal performance.
Wooden screens on the exterior walls complement these materials, positioned to facilitate cross-ventilation. Local vegetation offers protection from extreme weather throughout the seasons, reinforcing the home’s unique natural atmosphere.
Project Drawings
△ Hand-drawn sketch
△ Base schematic diagram
△ Underground Floor Plan
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Roof Plan
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
△ Analysis Chart
△ Detailed Drawing
△ Perspective View
△ Analysis Chart
Project Information
Architect: Pablo Senmartin
Year of Project: 2022
Photographer: Andrés Domínguez
Design Team: Giovanna Rimoldi, Suyay Baigorri, Valentin Vodanovic, Alfaro Guadalupe, Giordano Agostina, Mansilla Ariana, Nieva Florencia, Oviedo Macarena.
Principals: Alejandro Dragotto, Gabriela Puchetta
Structural Consultant: Andrés Mole
Location: La Calera, Argentina
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