Vôlt House by Estudio PK: A Contemporary Rural Retreat in Capilla del Señor, Argentina

Located in the serene neighborhood of Chacras de la Cruz in Capilla del Señor, Argentina, Vôlt House by Estudio PK is a weekend residence that elegantly fuses modern architecture with the rural landscape. Designed as a peaceful escape from urban life, this 230-square-meter home, completed in 2022, thoughtfully embraces its natural surroundings through architectural gestures and material choices that resonate with the local vernacular.

Nature-Driven Architectural Design

Led by architects Ignacio Pessagno and Lilian Kandus, the design team sought to create a dialogue between the built environment and the rural Argentine context. The house is organized around a single-story layout shaped like an open "L", with a central junction that serves as the main entrance. This configuration effectively separates public and private zones while maintaining fluid circulation and visual connectivity.

Large floor-to-ceiling windows frame the surrounding countryside, turning each opening into a living landscape painting. These glazed surfaces extend the indoor experience into the outdoors, blurring the line between architecture and nature.

Sustainable Orientation and Passive Climate Control

The orientation of Vôlt House was meticulously planned to enhance energy efficiency throughout the seasons. North-facing volumes allow for optimal solar gain in winter while offering shade in summer, reducing the need for artificial climate control. This sustainable design strategy is complemented by a dematerialized volume that opens up the house toward the landscape, emphasizing visual continuity and environmental harmony.

Sculptural Forms and Textural Materials

One of the most distinctive features of the home is its introverted façade facing the street. An organic screen wall built from perforated brick acts as a visual filter, offering both privacy and ventilation while casting dynamic shadows throughout the day. This double-skin façade also forms a transitional buffer space that nurtures native vegetation, enhancing the home’s connection to its site.

Inside, the living room features a striking exposed concrete vault, a structural and spatial element that defines the social heart of the home. This ceiling element continues outward to form a seamless material extension into the garden, creating a continuous indoor-outdoor experience.

Private Zones with Panoramic Views

The private wing of the house offers tranquil bedrooms with full-height windows that open onto the landscape. A dedicated workspace is included within this zone, blending functionality with comfort and retreat. The spatial layout ensures privacy while preserving access to daylight and views.

A Green Terrace for Leisure and Skywatching

Near the entrance, a landscaped ramp guides residents to a green roof terrace, which serves as both a recreational platform and a scenic lookout. Whether stargazing or gathering around the outdoor fire pit, this rooftop space embodies the spirit of rural leisure and contemplative living.

Honest Materials and Local Craftsmanship

Vôlt House is built with low-maintenance, durable materials chosen for their longevity and minimal upkeep. These include screened brick walls, an independent concrete structural system, PVC window frames, polished cement floors, and custom wooden furniture veneered in petiribí. The design emphasizes material honesty and craftsmanship, resulting in a warm, grounded atmosphere.

A Refuge for Rural Reconnection

Ultimately, Vôlt House was conceived as a weekend refuge, a place to unplug and reconnect with nature. Its architectural language reflects a modern interpretation of rural living—rooted in simplicity, openness, and sustainable practices. By thoughtfully integrating indoor and outdoor spaces, Estudio PK has crafted a home that celebrates the peaceful rhythms of countryside life.

All Photographs are works of Alejandro Peral.