Country House in Pila by DRM Arquitectura: A Harmonious Blend of Tradition and Modernity

Located 200 kilometers from Buenos Aires, in the vast and serene Pampas plains near Pila, Argentina, the Country House in Pila is a remarkable renovation project undertaken by DRM Arquitectura. This architectural intervention breathes new life into a family retreat, preserving its heritage while adapting to contemporary needs.

A Rural Escape with Deep-Rooted Traditions

The property, known as El Basson, serves both agricultural and recreational purposes for a city-based family seeking respite in nature. Bordered by the Salado River, Route 41, and neighboring fields, the estate's expansive landscapes and historic elements shaped the architects' vision for transformation.

The existing house, originally constructed and inhabited by the family’s ancestors, required an expansion to accommodate modern lifestyle demands, including family gatherings, vacations, and work meetings. The renovation extended beyond the house, incorporating vital elements such as the windmill, water tank, lagoon, fire pit, and afforestation into a holistic design approach that honored the site’s memory.

Preserving History Through Architecture

Rather than replacing, the design strategy emphasized integration and enhancement. The original load-bearing brick walls and wooden beams became the foundation for the expansion, ensuring a seamless blend of old and new. By exposing structural elements like brick and vaulted ceilings with timber beams, the intervention reinforced the historical character of the home while defining new functional spaces.

Materiality and Spatial Continuity

A significant design feature was the use of red ceramic tiles, a material deeply embedded in the family’s memories. The architects extended this material beyond the house, incorporating it into various touchpoints across the property, referred to as “red points”. These include the well, pool, Australian water tank, windmill, and main residence, unifying the estate visually and experientially.

The horizontality of the Pampas influenced the spatial configuration, guiding decisions on window placements, visual connections, and proportions. Large openings frame sweeping views of the countryside, while the north-facing gallery enhances indoor-outdoor living.

Innovative Expansions for Modern Comfort

Two major horizontal expansions define the renovated house:

• Living and Dining Area Extension: A west-facing addition maximizes sunset views through a pergola covered in wisteria, softening the transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Sleeping Quarters Expansion: The bedrooms extend beneath the protective canopy of pre-existing trees, ensuring shade, privacy, and harmony with nature.

Additionally, a vertical expansion introduces a stargazing lookout, a unique feature inspired by the region’s pristine night sky. This elevated space not only serves as a celestial observatory but also houses a new sleeping area and daylight-optimized circulation system.

Landscape Enhancements: A Connection to Nature

The renovation extends into the surrounding environment, reinforcing the home’s relationship with the landscape:

• A pier on the lagoon, encouraging interaction with water.
• A bonfire gathering space, designed around an iconic tree used by the family for social gatherings, now accentuated with thoughtful furnishings and flooring.

A Timeless Fusion of Past and Future

Through meticulous adaptive reuse, DRM Arquitectura has transformed this rural retreat into a functional, memory-rich sanctuary. By preserving historic elements while seamlessly incorporating contemporary architectural solutions, the Country House in Pila stands as a testament to sensitive and sustainable design.A beautifully renovated rural retreat in Pila, Argentina, blending historic preservation, sustainable architecture, and modern functionality for a timeless design.