pRoA House: A Modern Brick House in Uruguay by Matías de los Campos Nin Arquitecto

Nestled between Playa Verde and Playa Hermosa in Maldonado, Uruguay, pRoA House by Matías de los Campos Nin Arquitecto is a striking example of a modern brick house in Uruguay. Designed as a 12x12x3-meter prism, the residence combines geometric precision with warmth, reflecting both contemporary design principles and the cultural values of family gathering.

Architectural Concept

The home’s form is defined by a simple yet powerful prism that subtly elevates above ground level. A ramp marks pedestrian access and directs visitors toward two options: immediate entry into the home or a path that leads to an open central patio and barbecue area. This circulation creates a sense of fluidity, with a semi-circular volume reconnecting the interior and exterior spaces in a continuous loop.

Outdoor Spaces as Extensions of Living

pRoA House integrates three exterior spaces, each serving a distinct function. The entrance doubles as a covered garage, offering protection and convenience. The central patio is connected directly to the kitchen and dining area, featuring a plant circle that softens the visual boundary and introduces greenery into the architecture. Finally, the covered barbecue area provides a shaded retreat in summer, embodying the Uruguayan tradition of cooking and gathering outdoors.

Interior Organization

Inside, the layout is divided into three functional bands: bedrooms, services, and social spaces. This concentration minimizes circulation, using only 4.5 square meters of the total 80-square-meter interior for distribution. The result is a compact yet highly efficient design that maximizes usable living space for family interaction.

Structural and Material Expression

The structure is composed of both concrete and metal columns. Concrete columns, with larger sections, define the outer prism and are clad in brick. Metal columns, slimmer in profile, frame the central patio and semi-circular form. The exterior is wrapped in joint-free brick tiles, creating a pure, homogenous texture. The same material is also used for outdoor pavements, reinforcing unity between volume and ground.

Atmosphere and Family Narrative

Beyond its architectural precision, pRoA House is deeply rooted in family values. The spatial flow, outdoor connections, and gathering-oriented spaces reflect the importance of togetherness. Brick, with its tactile and timeless presence, grounds the project in both materiality and memory, while the modern geometry situates it firmly in contemporary design discourse.

pRoA House stands as a thoughtful synthesis of geometry, materiality, and cultural identity. As a modern brick house in Uruguay, it redefines the relationship between form and function, offering a timeless architectural response that honors tradition while embracing modern living.

All Photographs are works of Marcos Guiponi