Stone House by Grimaldi - Nacht arquitectos – Harmonizing Landscape, Concrete, and Wood

Introduction

The Stone House by Grimaldi - Nacht arquitectos is a sophisticated summer residence in Uruguay, designed to engage deeply with its dramatic coastal landscape. Completed in 2021, the 770 m² home emphasizes social interaction, leisure, and harmony with natural surroundings, blending bold architecture with functional living spaces.

The design strategy focuses on two contrasting formal volumes, each responding differently to the site’s topography, ocean views, and natural rock formations.

Architectural Concept: Dual Volumes

Concrete Volume

• Bold and sculptural: A cantilevered concrete mass skillfully navigates around a prominent rock formation facing the sea.
• Functional design: Defines the pool area and outdoor relaxation spaces beneath, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.
• Panoramic engagement: The structure takes full advantage of the prominent coastal location, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding landscape.

Wooden Volume

• Floating elegance: A wooden structure appears to hover above the sloping terrain, housing private bedrooms and the entryway.
• Social and leisure hub: The volume creates a west-facing gallery ideal for dining, fireside gatherings, and relaxation.
• Light and openness: Expansive windows frame the sea and pedestrian street, blending the indoors with the outdoor environment.

Interior and Spatial Experience

The interiors are designed to balance materiality, light, and comfort:

• Living areas: Spacious and open, encouraging social interaction and connection with nature.
• Bedrooms: Private and serene, providing restful retreats with expansive views.
• Material palette: Natural wood, concrete, and stone integrate the home seamlessly with its surroundings.
• Lighting and details: Carefully curated lighting and high-quality finishes by Gessi, Hansgrohe, and Wolf/Subzero enhance functionality and elegance.

Landscape Integration and Sustainability

The Stone House is sensitively embedded within the coastal terrain, responding to:

• Existing rock formations and slopes
• Views of the ocean and natural light
• Outdoor social spaces, including pool, terraces, and gardens

By combining robust concrete structures with warm wooden volumes, the design maintains a balanced dialogue between strength and lightness, harmonizing architecture with the rugged coastal environment.

Stone House by Grimaldi - Nacht arquitectos is a masterclass in contemporary residential architecture, offering a summer retreat that blends social living, private comfort, and site-specific design. The contrast between concrete and wood volumes creates dynamic experiences, while panoramic views and integration with the landscape ensure a timeless connection to Uruguay’s coast.

All the photographs are works of Javier Agustin Rojas