MRO Shack by iHouse Estudio: A Minimalist Coastal Retreat in Punta Colorada, Uruguay

Nestled within Uruguay’s stunning Punta Colorada landscape, MRO Shack by iHouse Estudio is a compact weekend retreat designed to provide serenity, simplicity, and deep connection with nature. Built in 2020, this 32m² micro-house embraces minimalism and functionality, creating a flexible living space that responds to both contemporary needs and its natural surroundings.

Location and Context

Situated just 800 meters from Uruguay’s ocean coastline and only 100 kilometers from Montevideo, MRO Shack is surrounded by rich native vegetation that enhances the project’s integration with its environment. The client envisioned a weekend refuge—a retreat away from the hustle of city life, where one could reconnect with nature and embrace a slower rhythm.

Design Concept and Strategy

The architectural approach started with the concept of modularity. The house was designed using 8m² modules, which were combined to form functional spaces that extend outward into the garden. This modular strategy maximized efficiency while ensuring the house remained compact, sustainable, and highly adaptable.

The shack is introverted when closed, prioritizing privacy and security. However, through mobile panels, the home transforms into an open, outward-facing space that connects seamlessly with the landscape. This duality allows flexibility—residents can adapt the atmosphere of the house depending on the need for openness or privacy.

Interior Layout and Space Optimization

At just 32 square meters, MRO Shack is a masterclass in micro-living design. Despite its small footprint, the architects successfully integrated all essential functions of modern living:

A cozy bedroom
A functional kitchen
A compact yet efficient bathroom
A flexible living area

The 32m² limit corresponds to the minimum constructible area set by local regulations, which became the foundation for the house’s design. Each 8m² module was assigned a specific function, resulting in a space-efficient floor plan that balances intimacy, comfort, and utility. Every design detail was carefully crafted to accommodate contemporary lifestyle needs within a minimalist footprint.

Connection with Nature

One of the most striking qualities of MRO Shack is its constant dialogue with nature. The mobile panels open up the home, creating fluid transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces. The simple geometric block, harmoniously positioned on the site, allows the shack to blend effortlessly into its surrounding vegetation.

The design encourages residents to slow down and enjoy the tranquility of the natural setting—whether through views of the lush garden, the sounds of the ocean breeze, or the peaceful isolation that the retreat provides.

Materials and Aesthetic

Built with local materials, the shack highlights functionality and sustainability. The simplicity of the geometric form emphasizes harmony with the landscape, while the modular structure allows adaptability for future expansions or transformations. Its aesthetic celebrates minimalism, flexibility, and ecological sensitivity, making it a modern yet timeless retreat.

MRO Shack by iHouse Estudio is more than just a weekend home—it is a model of minimalist living and sustainable design. By maximizing efficiency within just 32m², the architects created a refuge that balances privacy with openness, simplicity with function, and modern living with natural harmony.

This project is a perfect example of how tiny houses can offer big possibilities, reshaping the way we think about sustainable housing, coastal retreats, and the balance between built form and environment.