- Project: Oval House
- Architect: Jorgelina Tortorici & Asociados
- Location: Argentina, Bella Vista, Buenos Aires Province
- Year: 2022
- Area: 415 m2
- Photography: Alejandro Peral
A Sculptural Envelope Around a Quiet Interior
In an upscale gated neighbourhood of Bella Vista, the Oval House is conceived as a monumental yet elegant geometric “box” that subtly conceals a luminous central void. This void is conceived as an oval courtyard at the heart of the home, around which all living spaces are arranged. The result is a dwelling that appears solid from the street, while internally offering expanses of light, connection and fluid spatial experience.
Concept & Spatial Strategy
The project’s guiding idea is the oval patio: by generating a U-shaped plan that embraces this void, the home dissolves conventional boundaries and recasts circulation as part of the architecture. From the semi-covered entrance, one crosses a gate and enters into a large double-height social hall that bridges the private wings. The service block is discretely located to the side, maintaining the clarity of the main volume. Bedrooms, children’s wing and master suite are located on the upper slab, overlooking the central patio and creating visual links across levels. There are no traditional corridors — instead the rooms, bridges and voids become the path.
Site, Orientation & Envelope
Orientation is carefully considered: on the street side the façade remains compact, protected by a continuous aluminium cladding system that references timber but functions as a sun-shade and visual filter. On the garden side, large glazing opens toward the oval void and the landscape, while folding and sliding sun-shade elements allow adaptation to sun angles and privacy. Natural cross-ventilation, deep overhangs and the central void ensure the home performs comfortably even in varied climatic conditions.
Materials, Light & Atmosphere
The material palette is restrained yet rich: exposed concrete defines the structure and sculptural geometry; on the ground floor, Tundra Grey marble unifies entrance, gallery and pool edge to create a cool, continuous surface. The upper floor introduces oak plank flooring to bring warmth underfoot. Light becomes a forming device: the curved concrete walls, the glazing, the sculptural staircase — all harvest daylight and animate the surfaces with subtle movement. The oval void becomes a stage for layered views, soft shadows and shifting reflections.
Program & Life Within
- Ground Floor: A double-height living/dining area with a central kitchen forms the social core. The pool sits adjacent, visually connected to the main hall and courtyard gallery.
- Upper Floor: A U-shaped slab houses the children’s wing in one arm, the master suite in the other, both overlooking the void below. The design emphasises connection between users while preserving individual retreat.
- Basement / Flexible Zone: A naturally daylit and ventilated lower level offers spare programme — gym, studio or leisure space — accessed by sculptural stairs and skylights.
Design Significance
Oval House stands out for its clarity of concept: the oval courtyard organises plan, circulation, structure and experience. Instead of prioritising decorative expression, the architecture emphasises space, light, material and atmosphere. It demonstrates how a contemporary house in Argentina can assert sculptural form, restrained materiality and refined spatial layering, while still remaining deeply livable and responsive to daily life.
Drawings & Diagrams
