Location: Uruguay Year of construction: 1993 Architect: Antonio Horacio Ravazzani Photography: Undine Prohl
South American architecture has always been known for its ability to adapt the characteristics of the modern movement to the architecture of the vernacular tradition. In practice this means that technological and formal advances are adapted to fit with traditional building methods.
This country house by Antonio Horacio Ravazzani is a good example of the trend. Constructed of stone with large surfaces of glass, it is in an elevated position and enjoys fine panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
In formal terms the structure of the house recalls that of an industrial warehouse: a tall body incorporating mezzanines and subdivisions to house the domestic facilities. The roof is metal and is supported by a system of trusses
resting on solid stone partitions and the metal structure that provides the framework for the glazed openings.
The ground plan is regular. At one end of the rectangle are the living room and dining room.
A spiral staircase leads to the floor above: a mezzanine providing a further leisure area that, thanks to its height, enjoys fine views across the Uruguayan countryside.
The openings in the solid part of the elevation are purposely small to limit the amount of light entering and to make the domestic facilities and private rooms more intimate.
The mezzanine approached via the spiral staircase is built of the same material as the exterior of the house. A metal structure supports a timber framework that in turn supports the stone flooring.
The communal areas can be easily identified as they share a single space with no vertical or horizontal divisions to obstruct the overall view. Artificial light is limited to lamps suspended from the roof trusses.