Los Pasos House: Contemporary Privacy and Design in Rosario’s Gated Communities

Located in Granadero Baigorria, Argentina, Los Pasos House by BBOA - Balparda Brunel Oficina de Arquitectura exemplifies contemporary residential design within a gated community, combining spatial innovation, privacy, and modern aesthetics. Led by architect Geronimo Galli, the project spans 200 m² on an 80-lot development, each plot measuring approximately 450 m². Photographed by Javier Agustín Rojas, this home merges architectural rigor with an understanding of urban context and lifestyle requirements.

Context and Urban Challenge

During the 1990s, Argentina witnessed the proliferation of gated neighborhoods, a response to security concerns but often resulting in fragmented urban growth. These communities, while providing controlled access, frequently raised questions about the true privacy of homes due to the narrow open spaces between plots. The Los Pasos House project directly addresses these urban challenges by strategically managing the building footprint and volumetric relationships with adjacent properties.

Design Concept and Spatial Strategy

The primary assignment was to design a single-family home that respects the boundaries of the gated community while offering a heightened sense of privacy. The house is organized across two levels, carefully positioning rooms to balance openness with seclusion. The architects employed a series of volumetric subtraction techniques, shaping the building to maximize distance from neighboring houses and optimize natural light and views.

Two interior patios serve as core design elements, extending the perception of interior space while providing a private, filtered connection to the outdoors. These courtyards integrate seamlessly with the social areas, creating a flexible environment that adapts to the family’s lifestyle needs and enhances visual continuity.

Exterior and Privacy Considerations

Externally, the house appears largely closed off, with minimal perimeter windows and a brick wall that maintains a sense of security. The design strategically closes facades facing neighboring boundaries while opening up areas that benefit from natural light and landscape views. This interplay between enclosure and openness ensures a modern, secure, and private residential experience within a dense gated development.

Interior Experience

Inside, the home opens up to the patios, allowing natural light to penetrate deeply while maintaining privacy. Social spaces are visually extended into these courtyards, enhancing the perception of spatial fluidity. Setbacks and carefully considered window placements provide a direct yet controlled relationship with the outdoors, creating a dynamic interior environment that responds to light, orientation, and view corridors.

Innovative Residential Architecture in Argentina

Los Pasos House stands as a model of contemporary residential architecture in Argentina, demonstrating how thoughtful planning, volumetric design, and interior-exterior integration can redefine privacy within gated communities. The house offers a sophisticated solution for families seeking comfort, safety, and a seamless connection with nature, without compromising on modern design principles.

All photographs are works of  Javier Agustín Rojas