Mirador House Mar del Plata: An Architectural Masterpiece by Lépore & Salvini - Arquitectura & Atelier

Mirador House, designed by Lépore & Salvini - Arquitectura & Atelier, is a modern architectural marvel located in Mar del Plata, Argentina. This striking family home sits on a prime corner of San Carlos, one of the city's highest neighborhoods, where it offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Developed for a prominent local landscaper and his wife, the residence embodies a unique blend of architecture and natural landscape, creating a harmonious fusion between structure and the environment.

Architectural Vision and Concept

The architectural vision of Mirador House was shaped by the stunning panoramic surroundings. Positioned to capture two distinctive views—the dramatic ocean cliffs to the south and ‘La Restinga’ to the northeast, where the Tandilia mountain chain merges into the sea—the home was designed to frame these vistas like a pair of "photographs." Architect Julieta Lépore conceptualized the main volume of the house in a "Greek Y" shape, a design choice that allows key living spaces to frame the landscape in two directions, offering a dynamic visual experience.

Layout and Spatial Organization

The spatial layout of Mirador House is divided between two floors, optimizing functionality and view access. The upper floor, which houses the communal areas including the kitchen, dining room, living area, and master bedroom, serves as the main vantage point for ocean views. This level’s elevated positioning maximizes exposure to the surrounding landscape, while the unique Y-shaped design channels sightlines toward specific natural features, enhancing the connection between the home and the environment.

The ground floor accommodates more private and functional spaces, such as the guest bedroom, garage, and laundry area. These rooms are subtly integrated into the landscape, hidden within dense vegetation that reinforces the home's grounded relationship with the natural setting.

The Greek Y Structure

The Y-shaped design of Mirador House plays a crucial role in shaping the home's relationship with its surroundings. Each arm of the "Y" functions as a visual channel or canyon, directing focus toward the south's ocean break and the northeast’s ‘Restinga’. By framing these landscapes, the design effectively turns each window into a curated view, creating a series of “natural paintings” within the home's architecture.

Climate-Responsive Design

Mar del Plata is known for its windy coastal climate, with strong southeast and northeast winds that can affect outdoor comfort. Mirador House is designed with climate resilience in mind, featuring terraces and gardens that are shielded from these harsh winds. This sheltering effect allows the outdoor spaces to maximize sunlight exposure, promoting the healthy growth of various plant species and extending usable outdoor time for the residents.

Sustainable Landscaping

The landscaping around Mirador House is thoughtfully curated with native plant species, anchoring the home to the earth and reinforcing a natural aesthetic. This selection of indigenous flora not only enhances the ecological harmony of the site but also reflects the geological history of Mar del Plata’s cliffs, which were formed by layers of sediment carried from the Andes over centuries. Native grasses have trapped these sediments, creating the unique cliff landscape that the house now overlooks.

Interior Design and Material Palette

The interiors of Mirador House are a seamless extension of its natural surroundings. The choice of materials, neutral color schemes, and large, floor-to-ceiling windows all work together to create a sense of openness and connection to the environment. The dining and living areas feature minimalistic designs with natural wood and stone finishes, allowing the views to take center stage. Each room is carefully positioned to draw in light and capture the essence of the landscape outside.

Dining Room and Living Spaces

The dining room and main living area are oriented to maximize views of the ocean and cliffs, with ample windows and open layouts. These spaces foster a tranquil atmosphere, bringing nature into the daily life of the home’s inhabitants. The large dining table and simple wooden chairs complement the earthy color palette, emphasizing a timeless elegance that echoes the coastal landscape outside.

Harmonizing Architecture with Nature

Mirador House is not just a residential project; it is an embodiment of architectural and ecological synergy. The structure interacts with its environment at multiple levels, from its materiality and orientation to its use of native vegetation and protective design against the elements. By situating the home in alignment with the natural cliff formations and integrating sustainable landscaping, Lépore & Salvini - Arquitectura & Atelier have created a space that is as much a part of the Mar del Plata landscape as the cliffs themselves.

The Role of Geology in the Design

The cliffs of Mar del Plata, shaped by time and geology, influenced the design concept of Mirador House. The house’s foundation and surrounding garden reflect these geological origins, symbolizing a layered connection between architecture and earth. This unique approach links the home’s physical presence to the ancient processes that created the land, making Mirador House an homage to the natural history of Mar del Plata.

Mirador House in Mar del Plata stands as a testament to the possibilities of architecture that embraces its natural surroundings. From its climate-sensitive layout to its thoughtfully selected native landscaping, every element of Mirador House reflects a profound respect for the environment. Through the vision of Lépore & Salvini - Arquitectura & Atelier, this home is not only a place to live but a celebration of the powerful beauty of the Argentine coast.

All photographs are work of Victoria E. Sierra King