Dominga House by RBK arquitectura: A Sustainable Renovation Rooted in Heritage and Nature

Nestled in a semi-private neighborhood of Don Torcuato, Argentina, Casa Dominga by RBK arquitectura is a standout example of sustainable architecture, adaptive reuse, and eco-conscious residential design. What once stood as a 1970s chalet-style home has been thoughtfully transformed into a contemporary residence that blends modern comfort with environmental responsibility.

Renovation Meets Sustainability

The project began with a clear goal: to reimagine an aging two-story home to meet the evolving needs of a modern family—while recycling as much material as possible. The resulting design preserves and amplifies the character of the original structure, reusing 90% of the wooden framework and integrating salvaged masonry walls into the new layout.

A collaborative design process between architects Marcelo, Luciano, and Matias Rebecca, along with Victoria Poletti and the homeowners, birthed a home that speaks deeply to its occupants’ lifestyles, values, and desires. From the earliest sketches, sustainability, personalization, and efficient space planning guided the creative process.

Eco-Friendly Features and Passive Design

Casa Dominga stands as a prime model for sustainable housing in Latin America, incorporating a holistic suite of eco-features:

• Solar panels on the north-facing roof power LED lighting throughout the home.
• Cross ventilation and strategic openings ensure natural airflow.
• A solar water heater efficiently supplies domestic hot water.
• Rainwater harvesting systems support landscape irrigation.
• Eco-integrated water tanks and north-facing shading devices enhance thermal regulation.

A Thoughtful Layout for Modern Living

The 310 m² home is laid out in an L-shaped configuration, maximizing the width of the 850 m² corner plot. This orientation optimizes sunlight, privacy, and natural views while shielding the residence from the public street.

Interior zones were tailored for both private and shared experiences:

• Individual bedrooms for each child, one with a private en-suite bathroom.
• A tranquil master suite set apart but still visually and spatially connected.
• A multi-purpose SUM room (multi-use space), integrated kitchen/dining, and a subterranean wine cellar that connects social and culinary zones.
• A dedicated wellness area with a sauna and home gym.
• A barbecue patio and outdoor lounge that anchor family gatherings under open skies.

Material Palette and Architectural Expression

The house speaks a contemporary architectural language that honors the original structure while presenting a bold, modern identity. Finishes combine exposed concrete, wood cladding, natural stone, and recycled materials, achieving both aesthetic richness and sustainable credibility. The design emphasizes a connection with the surrounding green landscape, fostering a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors.

A Home That Breathes With Its Environment

What makes Dominga House truly unique is its symbiosis with nature. The home doesn't just sit on the site—it lives with it. Large windows frame forested views, while finishes reflect the tones and textures of the local environment. Day and night, the house responds to natural rhythms, light, and airflow—a living architecture grounded in the ecosystem around it.

All the photographs are works of Luis Barandiarán