VLA House by A4estudio: A Testament to Concrete Minimalism in Mendoza

  • Project: VLA House
  • Architect: A4estudio
  • Location: Argentina, Mendoza
  • Year: 2023
  • Area: 290 m2

Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Mendoza, Argentina, the VLA House stands as a striking example of minimalist architecture. Designed by the renowned firm A4estudio, this residence embodies a harmonious blend of raw materials, sustainable design principles, and a deep connection to its environment.

Architectural Vision and Design Philosophy

A4estudio, based in Mendoza, is celebrated for its commitment to creating spaces that resonate with their surroundings. The VLA House is no exception, reflecting the studio’s dedication to:

  • Material Honesty: Utilizing exposed concrete and black metal elements, the structure exudes a raw yet refined aesthetic.

  • Spatial Fluidity: The layout promotes natural cross-ventilation and incorporates courtyards that regulate indoor temperatures, essential for Mendoza’s arid climate.

  • Environmental Integration: Large openings frame views of the surrounding landscape, ensuring privacy while maximizing natural light.

Sustainable Features

The VLA House is designed with sustainability at its core:

  • Passive Climate Control: Strategically placed courtyards and openings facilitate natural ventilation and lighting, reducing reliance on artificial systems.

  • Local Materials: The use of locally sourced concrete and other materials minimizes the environmental footprint.

A4estudio’s Architectural Legacy

Founded in 2004, A4estudio has garnered acclaim for projects that seamlessly blend modernist principles with contextual sensitivity. Their portfolio includes notable works like the LL House and Bugatti House, both of which showcase the firm’s signature minimalist style and environmental responsiveness.

VLA House by A4estudio with stunning lake and Andes mountain view.
Photography © A4estudio
Modern black cabin of VLA House overlooking a panoramic waterfront landscape.
Photography © A4estudio
Warm wooden interior dining room of VLA House by A4estudio with forest view.
Photography © A4estudio
Modern cabin style of VLA House by A4estudio by the lake in Patagonia.
Photography © A4estudio
Black corrugated metal facade of VLA House with minimalist lines.
Photography © A4estudio
Lakeside modern architecture of VLA House nestled in Patagonian forest.
Photography © A4estudio
Scenic forest and Andes backdrop of VLA House designed by A4estudio.
Photography © A4estudio
Distinctive gabled form of VLA House with framed lake view.
Photography © A4estudio
Understructure of VLA House with exposed concrete and black staircase.
Photography © A4estudio
Overhead drone view of VLA House by A4estudio on Patagonian lakeshore.
Photography © A4estudio
Detailed view of black metal and glass volume of VLA House by A4estudio.
Photography © A4estudio
Cantilevered glass box window detail in black corrugated volume.
Photography © A4estudio
Modernist black corrugated metal siding of VLA House by A4estudio.
Photography © A4estudio
Lakeside black facade and panoramic views from VLA House.
Photography © A4estudio
Close-up of floor-to-ceiling glass window showcasing interior plantscape.
Photography © A4estudio
Front entry and driveway view of VLA House highlighting black volume.
Photography © A4estudio
Panoramic overlook of VLA House by A4estudio toward the Andes mountains.
Photography © A4estudio
Forest-wrapped VLA House nestled in natural Patagonian landscape.
Photography © A4estudio
Aerial top-down view of VLA House and dock on Patagonian lake.
Photography © A4estudio
Concrete understructure of VLA House with steel staircase and garden.
Photography © A4estudio
VLA House by A4estudio with dramatic cantilevered balcony design.
Photography © A4estudio
VLA House by A4estudio with floor-to-ceiling forest-facing glass façade.
Photography © A4estudio
VLA House by A4estudio partially hidden within the dense forest.
Photography © A4estudio
Modern staircase connecting upper deck at VLA House by A4estudio.
Photography © A4estudio
Minimalist pool terrace design of VLA House by A4estudio.
Photography © A4estudio
Infinity pool with concrete base at VLA House by A4estudio.
Photography © A4estudio
Reflections of Andes in the glass façade of VLA House.
Photography © A4estudio
Forest-facing front elevation of VLA House by A4estudio.
Photography © A4estudio
Drone aerial view of pool deck at VLA House in Patagonia.
Photography © A4estudio
Drone view of VLA House by A4estudio facing the lakeside coastline.
Photography © A4estudio
VLA House by A4estudio with dramatic forest-facing corner window and timber interior.
Photography © A4estudio
Spacious living room of VLA House with warm wood ceiling and integrated lighting.
Photography © A4estudio
VLA House interior with full-height glazing opening to a terrace and lake view.
Photography © A4estudio
Open-plan living and dining space with timber cladding throughout at VLA House.
Photography © A4estudio
Dining room and staircase with glass balustrade inside VLA House by A4estudio.
Photography © A4estudio
Motion blur of person descending the staircase with large picture window.
Photography © A4estudio
Dining area with framed panoramic view of snowcapped mountains and lake.
Photography © A4estudio
Resident on balcony of VLA House looking across the lake toward the mountains.
Photography © A4estudio
Outdoor dining area under covered terrace with view of Patagonian landscape.
Photography © A4estudio
Exposed concrete stairwell and metal structure with timber ceiling.
Photography © A4estudio
VLA House by A4estudio with kitchen featuring full-height glass wall along corridor.
Photography © A4estudio
Kitchen island with lake and mountain view through glass walls at VLA House.
Photography © A4estudio
Minimalist black kitchen with stainless hood and timber cladding in VLA House.
Photography © A4estudio
Covered deck and metal staircase view overlooking trees and lake at VLA House.
Photography © A4estudio
Long covered balcony with timber ceiling reflecting landscape at VLA House.
Photography © A4estudio
Circular window framing interior staircase scene inside VLA House.
Photography © A4estudio
Minimalist timber-clad bedroom with mountain-view window seat at VLA House.
Photography © A4estudio
Panoramic glass window in bedroom of VLA House with view to lake and trees.
Photography © A4estudio
Glass corner wall in VLA House bedroom revealing lush forest and pool roof.
Photography © A4estudio
Indoor pool at VLA House by A4estudio with framed view of the Andes and lake.
Photography © A4estudio
VLA House by A4estudio with illuminated black facade and wooden entrance.
Photography © A4estudio
VLA House by A4estudio viewed from hillside surrounded by forest.
Photography © A4estudio
Aerial view of VLA House by A4estudio situated by the lake.
Photography © A4estudio
Lakefront elevation of VLA House by A4estudio showing dark exterior and full-height windows.
Photography © A4estudio
Side angle view of VLA House by A4estudio with glass facade details.
Photography © A4estudio
Entryway of VLA House by A4estudio featuring glass walls and warm wood interiors.
Photography © A4estudio
Exterior lighting of VLA House by A4estudio glowing at dusk.
Photography © A4estudio
Architectural detail of timber framing and glass at VLA House by A4estudio.
Photography © A4estudio
Exterior poolside view of VLA House by A4estudio illuminated in the evening.
Photography © A4estudio
Front view of VLA House by A4estudio with glass wall revealing indoor pool.
Photography © A4estudio
VLA House by A4estudio with full-length facade and lake in background.
Photography © A4estudio
VLA House by A4estudio reflecting lake view through large window.
Photography © A4estudio
VLA House by A4estudio with concrete terrace and infinity pool.
Photography © A4estudio
Floating balcony design of VLA House by A4estudio nestled in the forest.
Photography © A4estudio
Front facade of VLA House by A4estudio illuminated in forest clearing.
Photography © A4estudio
Sunset view of VLA House by A4estudio from the terrace.
Photography © A4estudio
Aerial image of VLA House by A4estudio seen from the beach.
Photography © A4estudio
VLA House by A4estudio viewed across lake in forest setting.
Photography © A4estudio
Architectural wood triangle detail of VLA House by A4estudio.
Photography © A4estudio
Night view of black cabin entrance at VLA House by A4estudio.
Photography © A4estudio
VLA House by A4estudio with evening lights along the entry deck.
Photography © A4estudio
Night view of glass entry at VLA House by A4estudio with warm interior lighting.
Photography © A4estudio
Open-plan interior with wood ceiling and modern furnishings at VLA House by A4estudio.
Photography © A4estudio
Upper balcony of VLA House by A4estudio glowing through the forest at night.
Photography © A4estudio
Evening forest view with VLA House by A4estudio glowing in the background.
Photography © A4estudio
Aerial view of VLA House by A4estudio along the shoreline at dusk.
Photography © A4estudio

Posted by A4estudio

A4estudio is an award-winning architecture firm based in Mendoza, Argentina, recognized for its commitment to sustainable design and contextual architecture. Founded in 2004, the studio is currently led by architect Leonardo Codina and has developed a diverse portfolio of residential, commercial, cultural, and landscape projects that respond sensitively to the surrounding environment and local traditions. The studio’s design philosophy centers on the relationship between architecture and nature, often integrating raw materials, natural lighting, and passive environmental strategies to enhance spatial experience and ecological performance. A4estudio’s work is characterized by minimalist forms, poetic materiality, and a deep respect for the cultural and natural landscape of Argentina. Their acclaimed projects, such as the Casa Codina and Entre Cielos Hotel, have been featured internationally and reflect the studio’s dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless design.