House in Alto Verde by Estudio Giraudo: A Contemporary Architectural Masterpiece in Cevil Redondo, Argentina

Located in the serene commune of Cevil Redondo, near Yerba Buena in the Tucumán province of Argentina, the House in Alto Verde is an outstanding example of modern single-family residential architecture designed by Estudio Giraudo. Completed in 2023, this 215 square meter home reflects a thoughtful dialogue between traditional concepts of habitation and contemporary architectural innovation.

Concept and Design Philosophy

The architectural concept behind House in Alto Verde stems from a deep reflection and critique of modern living and construction methods. This project challenges conventional building approaches by questioning: How are homes typically constructed and inhabited today? and more importantly, How should we rethink these processes for a more harmonious and sustainable future?

The design purposefully integrates these reflections to create a home that not only serves its inhabitants but also redefines their connection with the environment and the surrounding landscape.

Spatial Organization and Materiality

The residence is elegantly organized across two distinct levels to optimize function and experience. The ground floor is dedicated primarily to social and communal spaces — including an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living areas — promoting fluidity and connectivity for everyday family life. Here, transparency reigns supreme, with large glazed facades inviting abundant natural light and seamless indoor-outdoor interaction.

Conversely, the upper floor accommodates the more private zones: bedrooms and associated services. This level is conceived as a predominantly opaque volume characterized by diverse textured planes that appear to float above the transparent ground floor. Supported by slender metal columns and minimal lower planes, this hovering effect gives the structure a light, almost suspended quality.

Architectural Features and Light Play

One of the most striking elements of the design is the dematerialization of vertical boundaries. Two-meter-high walls create a narrow band of light between floors, enhancing the perception of openness and blurring the separation between interior spaces. The upper volume rests on a continuous concrete strip that visually and physically separates the two levels while framing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Inside, the material palette is carefully curated to unify the entire space. A visible concrete slab ceiling and continuous cementitious flooring flow from exterior to interior, creating spatial continuity. Aluminum-framed glass panels subtly conceal structural metal columns, maintaining visual clarity and simplicity.

The upper level’s design strategically balances opaque and translucent materials, ensuring both privacy and natural illumination. Openings within the reinforced concrete structure allow daylight to permeate deep into the home, enhancing the ambiance and transforming spaces as light changes throughout the day.

Harmonizing Architecture and Landscape

More than just a residence, the House in Alto Verde acts as a transformative architectural artifact. It invites the landscape inside, establishing a continuous dialogue between nature and built form. The interplay of light, texture, and spatial arrangement offers a sensory exploration of place—making this home not only a shelter but an experience.

Designed by lead architect Marcos Giraudo and brought to life through collaboration with manufacturers such as FV Griferia, Ferrum S.A., Piazza, Sinteplast, Venetile, and Voltaje, this project exemplifies contemporary Argentine residential architecture’s capacity for innovation and thoughtful environmental integration.

All Photographs are works of Marcos Núñez