Arrow House by Mora Hughes Arquitectos: A Contemporary Retreat House Design in Argentina

Embracing Nature Through Fragmented Volumes and Fluid Design

Arrow House, also known as Casa Flecha, is a striking example of contemporary retreat house design, created by Mora Hughes Arquitectos in the picturesque town of Chacras de Coria, Argentina. Completed in 2024, this 3757-square-foot residence sits within a wooded landscape, where architecture and environment merge in a serene dialogue. The project offers a unique take on modern domestic architecture that balances strength and lightness, blending privacy, openness, and flexibility into one cohesive living experience.

Architectural Language Inspired by the Landscape

The home’s layout is composed of several gabled volumes that break away from the notion of a monolithic house. These volumes are constructed with a metal structural framework and uniformly clad in micro-ribbed metal sheeting, which lends the home a strong architectural identity while maintaining visual coherence. Each segment of the house is purposefully positioned to define distinct living areas while ensuring a continuous spatial flow that reflects the natural rhythms of its setting.

The fragmented configuration encourages natural ventilation and frames multiple courtyards that deepen the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Large glass panels and perforated black metal screens create a semi-transparent boundary, making the house feel light, breathable, and constantly connected to the landscape.

Interior Warmth Contrasted by Exterior Strength

While the exterior reads as robust and industrial, the interior introduces a warm, comforting contrast. Walls and ceilings are entirely wrapped in natural wood, creating an inviting and tactile environment. The polished concrete flooring provides continuity and visual calmness throughout, establishing a contemporary yet grounded tone. The minimalistic material palette elevates the sense of tranquility, allowing nature and light to become primary elements of the interior experience.

The design includes a mezzanine level that serves as a hybrid workspace and lounge, visually integrated with the rest of the house. The addition of interior greenery brings freshness and vibrancy to the space, transforming it into a modern sanctuary.

Designed for Gathering and Connection

At the heart of the home, the social area is anchored by a wood-burning stove—a symbol of warmth and gathering. This area is designed for shared moments, where natural materials and open layouts foster a sense of community and relaxation. The thoughtful distribution of space allows the house to function not just as a residence but as a retreat for celebration, rest, and restoration.

Outdoor amenities such as a jacuzzi, an open-air shower, and a custom-built grill area further enhance the retreat-like atmosphere. These elements reinforce the home's integration with nature and its emphasis on outdoor living as an essential component of well-being.

A Modern Vision of Rural Living

Arrow House is not just a home—it is a redefinition of rural contemporary retreat house design. By blending industrial materials with natural finishes and open spaces with cozy interiors, Mora Hughes Arquitectos have created a residence that feels both grounded in its environment and elevated by its design. It provides a flexible and inspiring model for modern living in nature, offering an architectural narrative that speaks to both strength and serenity.

All Photographs are works of Luis Abba