Casa Alicia

The “Casa Alicia” addition to PATTERNS’ previously designed residence in General Lagos, Argentina offers a nuanced response to its picturesque surroundings. Nestled in a gated community with panoramic views of the Paraná River and vast Paraná Delta, the site features mature eucalyptus trees that create a large and dense canopy and a feeling of countryside. The existing two-bedroom, two-bath house plus art atelier and loft was originally conceived as a modest dwelling with rustic charm to accommodate a single resident but double as a summer retreat for an extended family.

The latest addition focuses on expanding the social areas, enlarging the living room, and introducing a large covered outdoor gallery. Capitalizing on the availability of concrete in Latin America, a new veranda seamlessly extends from the existing brick structure, creating a contrasting yet harmonious composition. The concrete surfaces, textured with vertical wooden imprints, not only pay homage to the original brick but also enhance the tactile and visual experience.

The design ingeniously addresses environmental considerations, with the north-facing gallery providing shade and reducing heat gain during the hot and humid summers. The concrete gutter projection not only serves a functional purpose in managing rainfall but also becomes an expressive feature. Long, thin columns create a sense of continuity between interior and exterior spaces, framing views and contributing to the overall design’s immersion in the surrounding garden and forest. This addition, while responding to the evolving needs of its residents, becomes a testament to the thoughtful integration of architecture with the natural landscape.