Located in the Buenos Aires Villa Urquiza neighborhood, the Manuela Pedraza House was designed by OADD Arquitectos. This single-family residence responds to its unique corner lot with a deliberate intent to harmonize with its surroundings. The architects, led by Andrés Barone, Jorge Báez Moore, and Fabricio Contreras Ansbergs, approached the project with the goal of creating spatial openness while respecting the dense urban fabric.
Manuela Pedraza House Technical Information
- Architects1-6: OADD Arquitectos
- Location: Manuela Pedraza 5491, Villa Urquiza, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Area: 320 m2 | 3,440 Sq. Ft.
- Project Year: 2022 – 2024
- Photographs: © Luis Barandiarán
The material condition of the house is based on the use of a few simple construction elements that converge in a subtle and elegant morphological synthesis.
– OADD Architects
Manuela Pedraza House Photographs
Manuela Pedraza House Formal and Spatial Organization
Completed in 2024 after two years of meticulous planning and execution, the house not only addresses the practical needs of its occupants but also elevates the neighborhood’s urban landscape. With sustainability at its core and a commitment to simple yet impactful design, Manuela Pedraza House showcases the architectural philosophy of balancing serenity with functionality in a bustling city environment.
The Manuela Pedraza House exhibits a geometric clarity that underscores its modernist ethos. Conceived as a solid mass hollowed out to create functional spaces, the residence employs concrete, brick, and micro-perforated aluminum as its primary materials. These elements come together to craft a visually striking and thermally efficient structure. The perforated aluminum filter on the façade provides privacy, allowing light and ventilation to flow seamlessly.
At the heart of the house lies a central patio, an organizing element that fosters interaction between interior and exterior spaces. The patio is a visual anchor, bringing natural light and ventilation into the home. Surrounding this are terraces and expansions that enhance the spatial experience and provide settings for social activities.
Ground Floor: A space dedicated to recreation and utility, featuring a barbecue area, wine cellar, workshop, and entrance hall. These spaces open directly to the patio, creating a fluid connection with the outdoors.
First Floor: The primary living area is designed for daily activities. A spacious living room extends to a terrace with panoramic views of the corner, creating a sense of openness and connectivity.
Second Floor: Reserved for privacy, this level houses bedrooms and a small studio. The rooms maintain a direct visual relationship with the central patio.
Top Floor: Focused on recreation and sustainability, this level includes technical spaces, a green terrace, and a pool that doubles as a leisure area and a thermal regulator.
A wooden and metal staircase, positioned adjacent to the patio, serves as the central artery of the house. Beyond its functional role, the staircase enhances the spatial experience by offering dynamic views and creating a sense of movement through light and shadow.
Critical Analysis of Design Principles
The Manuela Pedraza House integrates sustainable design principles to reduce its environmental impact. The architects minimized the project’s carbon footprint by using local and recyclable materials. Including a rainwater harvesting system and a green terrace contributes to efficient water management and improved air quality. These features demonstrate the house’s sustainability commitment without compromising aesthetics or functionality.
The house exemplifies how private residences can enhance the urban environment. The carefully calibrated voids and perforated façade balance openness and privacy, engaging with the street while maintaining an introspective character. By shaping the corner lot, the design respects and enhances the neighborhood’s architectural vernacular, fostering a sense of community.
The architects meticulously designed the proportions of each space to ensure a harmonious relationship between the house and its inhabitants. This attention to scale creates a human-centric environment that prioritizes comfort and usability. With its functional zoning and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions, the layout highlights the importance of thoughtful spatial planning in contemporary residential architecture.
Manuela Pedraza House Plans
Manuela Pedraza House Image Gallery
About OADD Arquitectos
OADD Arquitectos is an architecture studio based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, founded by Fabricio Contreras Ansbergs, Andrés Barone, and Jorge Báez Moore. The team, composed of accomplished architects with degrees from the prestigious Facultad de Arquitectura, Diseño y Urbanismo (FADU) at the Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), boasts extensive academic and professional experience. Known for their award-winning designs in national and international competitions, the studio combines innovative architectural solutions with a deep commitment to urban and environmental integration.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Design Team: Arch. Andrés Barone, Arch. Jorge Báez Moore, Arch. Fabricio Contreras Ansbergs
- Structural Advisor: Eng. Diego Bortz
- Electrical Advisor: Eng. Marcos Mailliot
- Legal Advisor: Arch. Leonardo Carregal
- Construction: CRBN Group
- CGI: PAN studio
