- Project: Arena House
- Architect: ZIM arquitextura
- Location: Argentina, Pinamar
- Year: 2023
- Area: 210 m2
- Photography: Luis Barandiaran
Arena House by ZIM Arquitextura in Pinamar, Argentina, is a striking example of how architecture can merge with the landscape rather than dominate it. Built on a sand dune, the residence embraces the site’s natural topography, preserving the environment, enhancing energy efficiency, and offering a unique coastal living experience with a rooftop terrace that overlooks the sea and surrounding dunes.
Project Overview
The coastal site presented a significant challenge: a large natural dune with steep slopes. Instead of flattening the terrain, the architects designed a home that integrates with the sand formation. By partially burying the structure, excavation was minimized, protecting the ecosystem and respecting the dune’s natural profile.
This approach resulted in a home that is both discreet and bold—discreet in its integration with the environment, bold in its architectural language. The house appears as if it were born from the landscape, blending seamlessly with Pinamar’s coastal character.
Design Concept: Harmony with Topography
The design philosophy was clear: adapt to the dune, don’t fight it. Arena House achieves this through a composition where part of the structure sinks into the sand while the rest projects outward.
Key design strategies include:
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Buried lower sections that benefit from the dune’s natural thermal insulation.
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Elevated portions that open to daylight and views.
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A rooftop terrace that transforms the top of the house into a usable outdoor platform.
This synergy between architecture and landscape not only reduces environmental impact but also creates a distinctive identity for the home.
Materiality & Atmosphere
Arena House is defined by its robust, minimal palette that resonates with its context. The monolithic form contrasts with the soft curves of the dune, while large openings frame views of the surrounding landscape.
The buried portions benefit from the natural protection of the dune, while exposed facades interact with light and sea breezes. The roof terrace, surfaced as an accessible platform, becomes the home’s main outdoor living space—perfect for relaxation, entertaining, or simply enjoying the vast coastal horizon.
Interior & Spatial Organization
The house is organized to maximize both functional comfort and visual connection to the landscape:
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Living areas open toward the dune’s slope, extending onto outdoor terraces.
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Bedrooms are designed with privacy while maintaining framed views of the environment.
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Circulation spaces follow the natural slope, blending interior movement with the flow of the site.
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The rooftop terrace offers a secondary living area—an open-air lounge with sweeping sea views.
Natural light enters generously through strategically placed openings, and cross-ventilation ensures comfort throughout changing coastal conditions.
Energy Efficiency & Sustainability
By embedding the home into the dune, the architects leveraged natural insulation, reducing heating and cooling demands. The dune itself acts as a thermal buffer, stabilizing indoor temperatures.
Minimal excavation and reduced land disruption were critical to preserving the fragile coastal ecosystem. This sustainable approach goes beyond energy performance—it’s about respecting the site’s ecological and cultural identity.
Arena House by ZIM Arquitextura is more than a coastal residence—it is a manifesto for environmentally sensitive architecture. By embracing the dune rather than erasing it, the project achieves a rare harmony between design and nature. The result is a modern, sustainable, and poetic home that celebrates the unique beauty of Pinamar’s coastal landscape.
