PM House by VDV ARQ: Contemporary Single-Level Residence in Manantiales, Uruguay

Nestled just 5 km from the Atlantic coastline in Manantiales, Uruguay, PM House by VDV ARQ redefines modern living in a semi-rural context. This 400 m² single-family home, completed in 2022, embraces the surrounding landscape while offering a modular and flexible approach to contemporary residential architecture.

Designed under the direction of lead architect Victor Della Vecchia, the house responds to the rapid population growth in the area, creating a dwelling that is at once intimate, functional, and harmoniously integrated with its natural environment. The architectural concept revolves around the horizon as a framing device, encouraging inhabitants to experience the interplay of light, landscape, and private space from every vantage point.

Single-Level Design and Spatial Flow The residence is entirely developed on one level, organized beneath a large horizontal roof that unifies all programmatic functions. A series of courtyards punctuate the interior, acting as filters for natural light while creating nuanced layers of privacy between social and private zones. These courtyards not only regulate sunlight and ventilation but also offer multiple visual connections to the surrounding landscape, forging a continuous dialogue between interior and exterior spaces.

Materiality and Architectural Expression Material cohesion is a defining feature of PM House. The exterior perimeter is clad in warm hardwood, establishing a tactile and visual rhythm that contrasts with expansive, fully transparent glazed panels. This combination reinforces a strong indoor-outdoor relationship, allowing natural light to penetrate deep into the house while framing panoramic views of the Uruguayan plains.

The front facade is deliberately opaque and monumental, anchored by a robust stone wall that doubles as structural support for the roof. This solid plane is strategically interrupted to mark the main entrance, guiding residents and visitors along a carefully choreographed spatial journey. Progressing from social spaces to private retreats, the home encourages an experiential flow where each environment is discovered gradually, offering a sense of anticipation and intimacy.

Landscape Integration and Light Play The surrounding landscape is the true protagonist of the design. Horizontal rigor in the architecture intersects with the low, shifting light of the region, creating dynamic patterns of light and shadow throughout the home. This careful orchestration transforms ordinary spaces into immersive environments, where time and nature are perceptibly experienced. PM House celebrates the intersection of architecture, light, and landscape, turning everyday living into a continuous spatial narrative.

VDV ARQ’s PM House is a masterclass in contemporary Uruguayan residential design, combining single-level modular construction, landscape integration, and material consistency to deliver a home that is both elegant and contextually sensitive. It stands as a testament to modern living in harmony with nature, reflecting a careful balance of privacy, openness, and architectural clarity.

All photographs are works of Federico Cairoli