Andina Patagónica #4 is a 65-square-meter cabin designed by forma Architecture in El Bolsón, Argentina, a location characterized by its Patagonian vegetation. Completed in 2019, the project is situated on a slope with views towards Cerro Piltriquitron. The architecture is adapted to the natural incline of the terrain, allowing the house to step down in a way that maximizes the panoramic vista.

The cabin's design emphasizes efficiency and sustainability. A 2-foot by 2-foot grid system was used to modularize the construction, which reduced material waste and enabled a quicker build time. A substantial northern overhang was incorporated to passively protect the interior from the sun, while cross-ventilation provides a natural cooling mechanism. For the interior, full sheets of pine plywood were used to create a cozy, cabin-like feel, showcasing the modularity of the construction.

The exterior material choices included charred wood, utilizing the Shou Sugi Ban technique on the north and south walls for weather protection, and black corrugated metal for the roof, east, and west walls. Half of the cabin rests on a concrete slab, providing thermal mass for regulating interior temperatures. Recycled cellulose was used for insulation.

Credits

Architects: forma Architecture

Design Team: Santiago Mussi Tiscornia, Andrew Pringle Sattui

Collaborators: Melisa Busso, Daniel Mussi Tiscornia, Teo Agnesse

Engineering: Juan Pablo Repossini

Photographs: Francisco Galeazzi

Manufacturers: Bariloche Glass, El rincon del techado, Madeco, Palm