ATO House: Sustainable Residential Architecture in San Isidro by IR arquitectura

Located in San Isidro, Argentina, the ATO House by IR arquitectura (2020) exemplifies a thoughtful integration of modern residential design with its surrounding ecological context. Perched near the Bajo de San Isidro Ecological Reserve, the project responds to unique site conditions, including pre-existing trees, a subdivided swimming pool, and the natural pathways of local wildlife, particularly turtles that cross the road to spawn. These environmental factors inspired a design strategy that prioritizes ecosystem integration, sustainable living, and biophilic connections.

Site-Responsive Design and Substrate Organization

The ATO House is organized across three distinct substrates, each tailored to optimize both human use and ecological interaction:

1. Ground-Level Substrate: Conserving the land’s natural exchanges, this level offers semi-covered outdoor spaces, seamlessly connecting residents with the surrounding vegetation and pool area. The absence of perimeter columns and flexible floor and ceiling planes create a sense of continuity with the natural landscape.
2. First-Floor Substrate: Elevated to the height of the treetops, this level enhances views, air circulation, and visual connections with the reserve. Vertical enclosures are strategically oriented to respond to sunlight and environmental conditions, maximizing comfort while maintaining energy efficiency.
3. Roof Substrate: A fully landscaped roof supports autochthonous vegetation and edible species, promoting biological exchange through bird- and insect-mediated seed dispersal, effectively extending the ecological influence of the reserve.

Structural and Spatial Innovation

The house’s structure consists of three concrete walls supporting the first-floor slab. Inverted beams with corbels suspend a metal structure, forming the ground-floor slab. This innovative approach defines four distinct use areas per floor, including a sanitary core, vertical circulation void, and lateral spaces parallel to the street. The built volume is strategically set back from property boundaries, allowing continuous air flow and visual independence from neighboring buildings.

Light materials complement the concrete partitions, enabling flexible reconfiguration of functional spaces over time. Envelope planes adapt to each orientation, optimizing daylight, shading, and natural ventilation.

Sustainable Technology and Passive Design

ATO House incorporates advanced sustainable systems to enhance thermodynamic efficiency:

• High-performance carpentry, flowerbeds, and robotic blinds provide variable environmental mediation.
• A geothermal system leverages groundwater temperatures for year-round heating and cooling.
• Photovoltaic panels reduce grid electricity consumption.
• Home automation centralizes lighting, irrigation, and security, optimizing energy use and comfort.

These features work together to create a resilient, environmentally conscious residence, blending modern architecture with ecological stewardship.

All photographs are works of  Federico Cairoli