UAN House by Alric Galindez Arquitectos

A Dialogue Between Architecture and Nature in Patagonia

Perched on a gentle slope in San Carlos de Bariloche, UAN House by Alric Galindez Arquitectos stands as a refined expression of contemporary Patagonian architecture. Surrounded by low, dense vegetation and oriented toward stunning panoramic views of Lake Nahuel Huapi and the Ventana and Catedral hills, the residence exemplifies a deep respect for the natural topography while embracing modern spatial efficiency and environmental sensitivity.

To preserve the site’s ecological character, the design is articulated as two distinct volumes—one housing the main residence and the other a raised garden platform that floats gently above the natural terrain. This dual composition allows the building to blend into its environment while framing the surrounding landscape through deliberate spatial gestures.

Inverted Layout to Maximize Views

Breaking away from conventional residential organization, UAN House employs an inverted spatial layout. The upper level accommodates the living spaces and the main bedroom, offering expansive views across the lake and mountains. The lower level contains the children’s bedrooms, guest quarters, and service areas, ensuring privacy and a strong connection with the terrain.

By setting back the upper volume from the lower one, the architects created a generous terrace that extends the living space outward, immersing residents in the surrounding scenery. The offset also produces a semi-covered zone below, serving as a secondary entrance and sheltered parking for vehicles and bicycles. Access to the house occurs via a ramped bridge that connects directly to the upper floor—an elegant solution that leaves the native vegetation beneath untouched.

Material Simplicity and Patagonian Warmth

The exterior of UAN House is defined by the consistent use of black slate, which seamlessly wraps the walls and roof into a monolithic form. This dark, textured skin anchors the house visually within the landscape while providing durability against Patagonia’s demanding climate.

In contrast, the interior unfolds as a warm wooden shell—a “house within a house” concept that evokes the comfort and tactility of traditional Patagonian homes. The open-plan main floor integrates the kitchen, dining, and living areas, all oriented toward the panoramic terrace to maximize daylight and visual continuity. Exposed beams, natural light, and clean-lined furniture create a balanced dialogue between modern design and rustic authenticity.

Architecture as a Neutral Object in Nature

Alric Galindez Arquitectos designed UAN House to exist not as an intrusion but as a neutral object harmonizing with the landscape. Its subtle geometry and restrained palette allow the vegetation and natural light to take precedence. The result is a house that feels both anchored and ephemeral—a structure that celebrates the land it inhabits rather than dominating it.

Through its minimal footprint, material honesty, and careful integration with the terrain, UAN House exemplifies a sustainable and poetic approach to contemporary living in Patagonia—where architecture becomes an instrument for experiencing the landscape.

All photographs are works of Gaston Schouabs