Bitelhaus, designed by Alric Galindez, is a house on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Completed in 2020, the design emphasizes low maintenance, outdoor connections, and flexible spaces. Featuring a linear volume with white pre-painted sheet metal and mobile panels, it offers climate control and aesthetic appeal.
Bitelhaus, crafted by Alric Galindez, is nestled on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, designed to encapsulate the quintessence of a weekend retreat. The design focuses on low maintenance, a seamless connection to the outdoors, and an adaptable space that can easily be opened or closed as needed.
Situated in a lush green setting, the house is oriented perpendicularly to the street, maximizing northeast exposure. This strategic alignment ensures that living areas are bathed in natural light and the landscape is organized around pre-existing trees, including an araucaria and an elm, which take center stage, enhancing the natural beauty of the surroundings.
The house’s linear volume is constructed from white pre-painted sheet metal, equipped with a system of mobile panels. These panels address key design principles, allowing for flexibility and adaptation to varying needs and conditions.
Spaces within the house are organized with equal importance, forming a sequence of environments that maintain a direct relationship with the outdoors. This includes the incorporation of semi-covered areas that serve as flexible, transitional spaces between the interior and exterior.
The linear configuration of the house also facilitates effective cross ventilation, contributing to climate control. This is further complemented by a pergola in front of the main living area. Adorned with deciduous leaves, the pergola creates an inviting outdoor space, providing shade during summer while allowing for passive solar gain in the winter months.
To enhance insulation and protect the interiors, sliding panels are utilized. These not only shield the interiors from harsh sunlight in the morning but also improve nighttime insulation. When the house is not in use, these panels allow it to be completely sealed, adding an extra layer of security and protection.
The interior features barrel vaults with varied curvatures, creating distinct environments within the house. This design choice optimizes light entry and air circulation, contributing to the overall comfort and aesthetic appeal of the interior spaces. The rhythmic flow established by these vaults enhances the living experience, adding a unique architectural character to the house.
A weekend house is typically designed to enhance the enjoyment of outdoor spaces during leisure time and social gatherings. At Bitelhaus, the connection between interior and exterior is emphasized in every area. This is achieved through an intermediate space – the gallery – which serves as a connector for all the spaces. The gallery links the garden, living room, and the multipurpose space/garage, ensuring seamless movement and connectivity throughout the property.
Photography courtesy of Alric Galindez
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