June 4, 202400:30
Hear
The flat lot caught the attention of architect Tulio Rossini and his wife, Sofia Papa: the surface allowed them to build the house they wanted for their children. “In this place of mountains, finding that extension was a rarity, but it appeared, and it is also surrounded by forest,” says Rossini. It was the second home they built for their family in San Martín de los Andes. When drawing up the project, they did not hesitate: They wanted to make the most of the environment.
Architect Tulio Rossini, in charge of the project and owner of the house
To cope with the weather and the wear and tear it can cause, The architect chose stone and sheet metal for the exterior, durable and low-maintenance materials. “Wood is used a lot in the area, but we prefer to build with those advantages thinking about the long term,” he says. In addition, a trip gave them the inspiration in Nordic design that they sought for the development, which lasted 1 year and 3 months.
Mariana Pardal
This arrangement also allowed them to make social, play and rest spaces independent. “Our previous house was all integrated, but now we decided to separate the programs the kitchen from the living-dining room and the children’s play area, and also move the bedrooms away. Thus, each situation has greater independence”, says the architect. Each module houses a room, with a hallway that connects them, and floor-to-ceiling windows “to bring nature closer, since during the long winters we spend a lot of time inside,” he explains.
“The kitchen is the environment we use the most,” Tulio says without hesitation. Combination of island with stove and huge table, there they cook, share meals and play with the kids.
Mariana Pardal
“For the winter we have underfloor heating, while during the summer we have cross ventilation, something designed in all rooms,” says the architect. The entire floor of the house is made of white microcement, “friendly to the touch to enjoy the radiant floor,” he says.
Mariana Pardal
Although the modules repeat the design throughout the house, the dimensions change: the living room is the largest while the bedrooms are smaller.
While the entire house is on one floor, Tulio located his studio on the upper floor: “It is an autonomous place, with everything I may need while I work,” he explains. He even came up with a small kitchen with doors so it could be hidden away if not in use.
