House F by Florencia Cheli: Harmonious Forest Living in Zárate, Argentina

Concept & Vision: Designing the Architect’s Own Home

Designing her own residence posed a unique challenge for Florencia Cheli. The strongest inspiration came from the site itself—a forested plot with a dramatic slope. Upon first seeing the land, a clear vision emerged, guiding the design toward a home that merges seamlessly with its natural surroundings.

Site Strategy: Embracing Sloped Topography

The property’s significant elevation change inspired a raised main floor, lifting the living areas above ground while allocating the lower level for parking and service spaces. This structural decision not only maximized functionality but also created a natural connection between the house and the landscape.

Spatial Organization: Connection to Nature

House F is divided into two perpendicular wings for optimal spatial flow:

• Social Wing: Designed for communal areas, including the living and dining spaces, allowing openness and fluidity.
• Private Wing: Contains bedrooms and a study, offering privacy while maintaining visual continuity with the forest.

This layout ensures that every space interacts with the surrounding greenery, creating a sense of living within the forest itself.

Materiality & Construction: Concrete, Wood, and Glass

The home’s construction emphasizes horizontal geometry through two main concrete slabs—floor and roof. Glass façades dominate the visually favorable sides, providing unobstructed forest views and natural light.

• Privacy & Orientation: Areas requiring discretion or protection from harsh sunlight are enclosed with wood-clad masonry, blending warmth with functionality.
• Lower Base: Partially below ground level, walls are clad in natural stone, grounding the home with solidity and presence.

Architecture & Experience: Harmonizing Modern Design with Nature

House F exemplifies architecture in dialogue with its environment. The strategic layout, choice of materials, and structural decisions work together to create a modern home fully integrated with its forested surroundings. It stands as a testament to contemporary residential design that prioritizes nature, light, and spatial harmony.

All Photographs are works of Andres Dominguez