In the gentle embrace of Córdoba’s mountainous terrain, where the rugged landscape speaks in whispers of history, the Between Stone Walls Suites emerge as a poetic dialogue between past and present. These suites, meticulously crafted by alarciaferrer arquitectos, redefine the boundaries of architectural presence by engaging in a profound conversation with their surroundings. Originally the summer retreat of the esteemed Argentine president J.A. Roca, this site now stands transformed, a testament to the seamless blend of heritage and modernity.
Situated to the north of Córdoba, the estate’s 19th-century structures rest amidst a park of verdant splendor, a masterpiece of landscape design by Carlos Thays. Here, the leafy canopies stretch skyward, casting dappled shadows over a serene artificial lake. It is within this picturesque setting that the new suites gracefully unfold, their design a harmonious ode to the land’s storied past.
The architectural narrative unfolds through seven expansive stone walls, each standing parallel to the next, with an elegant measure of five meters between them. These walls, steadfast and resolute, support a wooden roof that slopes gently, cradling the spaces within. As the walls root themselves into the earth, they pay homage to the trees and undulating topography, finding their place in this natural tapestry.
Each suite is an invitation to experience the sublime. A gallery welcomes you at the entrance, leading into a bedroom where the whisper of the wind and the dance of light through the patio create a serene retreat. This patio, a vital artery of light and air, acts as a gentle separator between the intimate spaces of living and cleansing. The walls, holding stories of their own, conceal storage and facilities with elegant discretion.
Stone and wood, the elemental language of rural Córdoba, speak to the soul of these suites. The galleries and patios, familiar yet reimagined, echo the traditional constructions of the region. Through the lens of alarciaferrer arquitectos, these elements are not mere materials but storytellers, narrating a tale of continuity and innovation.
Project Info: Architects: alarciaferrer arquitectos Country: Argentina, Ascochinga Area: 350 m² Year: 2024 Photographs: Milagros Sanchez Azcona Lead Team: Joaquin Alarcia, Federico Ferrer Deheza Landscape Architecture: Blas Spina Engineering & Consulting > Civil: German Sarboraria General Contractor: BONNART – Federico Monjo
Madeline Brooks, a Projects Editor at Arch2O since March 2024, curates architectural wonders with a discerning eye. Her editorial expertise, honed over a decade, ensures that each project resonates with clarity and depth. At Arch2O, she champions sustainability and social relevance, weaving complex architectural concepts into narratives that captivate both professionals and lay readers. Under her guidance, Arch2O’s editorial direction continues to inspire and elevate the global architectural dialogue.
