Gallareta House by OJA: A Harmonious Retreat in Patagonia’s Native Forest

Gallareta House, designed by OJA (Organic and Joyful Architecture), is a captivating example of sustainable and context-sensitive architecture nestled in the heart of Villa La Angostura, Patagonia, Argentina. Completed in 2023, this 250 m² boutique-scale tourist complex blends seamlessly into the breathtaking landscape of Coihues and Arrayanes trees on the shores of Lake Correntoso.

A Deep Connection to Place

The project holds a deeply personal resonance for architect Juan Segundo Diaz Dopazo, who grew up in Patagonia, and his partner, María Ayelén Olivieri Martinez. Their firm, OJA, approached the design of Gallareta House with the goal of creating architecture that not only respects but coexists with the native forest. Without cutting down a single tree, they inserted a collection of “landscape cabins” into the gaps between the vegetation, achieving a delicate balance between human presence and nature.

Designing with Nature

The complex features modular cabins designed for two or three people, each carefully positioned in vacant spaces within the forest. These half-floor monospace cabins are unified by a shared architectural language yet maintain subtle differences to preserve a sense of individuality. Large, strategically placed windows extend sightlines into the surrounding landscape, drawing in light filtered through the dense Myrtle tree canopies. This design strategy blurs the boundary between indoors and outdoors, offering guests a true immersive forest experience.

Crafting Comfort and Privacy

Inside, the cabins are warm and inviting. The largest unit features a freestanding bathtub placed by a picture window, offering stunning views of the snowfall—a moment of serene luxury in the wild. The spacious and thoughtfully designed bathrooms enhance comfort without compromising the compact cabin footprint.

To manage the challenges of a steep slope and narrow site, the architects employed dry construction on reinforced concrete foundations, ensuring minimal impact on the terrain. The result is a complex that feels light on the land yet deeply rooted in its environment.

Materials: Tradition Meets Innovation

The exteriors of the cabins are clad in Shou Sugi Ban-treated eucalyptus, a traditional Japanese technique of charring wood to improve durability, water resistance, fire retardancy, and sustainability. The blackened wood contrasts beautifully with the vibrant greens of the forest and the winter snow, while additional touches of Lapacho wood, black zinc detailing, glass, and exposed concrete enrich the material palette.

Inside, a continuous surface of Guatambú wood—a pale, knot-free material—creates a bright, spacious atmosphere that contrasts with the dark exterior. Custom Guatambú furniture reinforces the monolithic and minimalist feel, virtually dissolving the boundaries between walls and furnishings.

A Model for Sustainable and Joyful Living

Gallareta House is more than just a destination; it’s a model for sustainable architecture that honors its natural setting. By prioritizing minimal environmental impact, using local and durable materials, and offering immersive experiences within nature, OJA has crafted a project that speaks to both heart and habitat.

All Photographs are works of Juan Segundo Diaz Dopazo