In the midst of the forest, there's a black corrugated wall. That's the first thing that visitors see of La Negrita, an intriguing woodland retreat that simultaneously provides privacy and embraces the trees that surround it.
Situated in the countryside outside Cordoba in Argentina, La Negrita was conceived by designers Morini Arquitectos to occupy the only clearing on the site. This attention to the environment pervades a careful, yet audacious design.
Three buildings, linked by glass corridors, house a garage, living-dining space and bedroom. To the road side, there's that corrugated black wall. To the forest side, there are floor to ceiling sliding windows. The idea, say the architects, is these volumes can be added to or deleted as the clients' needs change. Here, the life of the woodland is king.
Wood floors reflect those trees and link the spaces. Roof-high ceilings are in unfinished concrete. Concrete walls are simply whitewashed. There's little in the way of adornment, allowing the view of the greenery further to breathe.
The owners' furnishings are comfortable rather than knowingly contemporary. The feel inside is of a country cottage that's long been part of its surroundings. Delightful.
Want more of the world’s finest architecture? You need to see this Concrete Sydney Beach House.
All images by Gonzalo Viramonte
