Chajá House is a refuge in the Maldonado department of Uruguay, designed by the TATÚ Arquitectura studio and completed in 2020. The project transformed an old, abandoned agricultural shed, formerly used to store fodder and tools, into a secondary residence for a client who lives in France. The intervention was conceived to preserve the rural identity and the original structure of the building, without modifying its main volume. The architecture is characterized by its focus on reuse and integration with the natural environment. The design consisted of wrapping the existing masonry structure with a new, permeable wooden skin. This outer membrane not only conceals the new functional programs but also creates interstitial spaces that expand the use of the home. The project seeks to pay homage to the humble typology of the Uruguayan countryside while transforming it into a poetic architectural gesture. The interior is a diaphanous volume with an open plan, defined by a furniture wall that integrates the kitchen, pantry, and a desk. Above the dining area, a loft houses the bed and wardrobes. The bathroom and service areas remain in an external volume, honoring the rural traditions of Uruguay. Large windows capture views of the landscape, while subtle natural light enters through narrow slits in the wooden membrane, accentuating texture and depth. Credits Architects: Leandro Alegre, Horacio Goday, and Martin Olivera of TATÚ Arquitectura Design Team: Agustina Rodríguez, Lucía Arce, and Lucas Cardona Photography: Marcos Guiponi