Between Stone Walls Suites by alarciaferrer arquitectos — A Dialogue Between History, Landscape, and Modern Design

Nestled in the picturesque mountains of Córdoba, Argentina, Between Stone Walls Suites by alarciaferrer arquitectos is a refined architectural intervention that harmoniously merges heritage, nature, and contemporary design. Located in Ascochinga, this project expands an existing historic hotel that once served as the summer residence of former Argentine president J.A. Roca.

Surrounded by a lush park designed by the renowned landscape architect Carlos Thays and an elegant artificial lake, the site’s atmosphere radiates tranquility and history. The architects sought to honor this legacy while introducing a modern sensibility—creating a series of ensuite rooms that serve as an architectural bridge between past and present.

Design Concept: Architecture Rooted in the Land

The defining feature of the project is its use of seven parallel stone walls, spaced five meters apart, which form the structural and conceptual backbone of the design. These walls, reminiscent of traditional pircas (rural stone boundaries typical of Córdoba’s mountain landscapes), delineate the built space while blending seamlessly with the terrain. Each suite unfolds between these stone partitions, under a wooden roof inclined for rainwater drainage, adapting fluidly to the site’s natural topography and existing trees.

Every room includes a front gallery, a bedroom, a light and ventilation patio, and a wet core comprising the bathroom and shower. The patios introduce soft daylight and fresh air, ensuring natural cross-ventilation and a serene atmosphere. Additionally, the dividing stone walls incorporate hidden storage and utility systems, maintaining aesthetic simplicity while enhancing function.

Materiality and Atmosphere

Local stone and wood define the tactile and visual language of the suites, echoing the material traditions of rural Córdoba architecture. These natural materials not only root the project in its environment but also create a timeless sensory experience—cool stone walls contrast with the warmth of wooden ceilings, producing a feeling of intimate comfort within the vast natural setting.

The galleries and patios act as transitional zones, blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior. This architectural rhythm of openness and enclosure invites guests to experience the passing of light, the movement of air, and the textures of the surrounding landscape—transforming each stay into a contemplative experience.

Heritage Meets Modern Hospitality

While rooted in history, the Between Stone Walls Suites embraces a contemporary spirit. The minimalist geometry, precise craftsmanship, and contextual sensitivity reflect alarciaferrer arquitectos’ commitment to architecture that respects memory while embracing innovation.

This delicate balance of old and new allows the project to coexist naturally within the historic estate, reinforcing the identity of Ascochinga as a place where landscape, history, and architecture converge.

Sustainable and Contextual Design

Sustainability is embedded through passive climatic strategies—thick stone walls regulate temperature, natural light reduces energy use, and local materials minimize environmental impact. By integrating modern comfort with traditional construction wisdom, the project embodies a sustainable model for rural hospitality design.

All the photographs are works of Milagros Sanchez Azcona