La Terencia is a 47-square-meter prefabricated beach refuge in Balneario Los Ángeles, Argentina, completed in 2022 by the architectural firm IR arquitectura. Designed to be a flexible and minimal dwelling, the structure can withstand the region's strong coastal weather while minimizing its environmental footprint.

The refuge was entirely prefabricated in a workshop and assembled on-site in just two weeks, a process that significantly reduced construction time. The structure is built on a concrete slab to provide a stable base in the shifting coastal landscape.

The steel tube frames consist of standard 1x2-inch and 2x2-inch sections, with the roof formed by shaped beams. The exterior is clad in galvanized sinusoidal sheet metal. The interior is lined with multi-laminate panels, and glass wool insulation is used in both the walls and roof to ensure optimal thermal and acoustic comfort.

The interior layout is compact and efficient, designed to maximize the limited 47-square-meter footprint. The layout features a high-ceilinged central area where the upper level is mounted on the lower one. The front of the cabin has a large lift-up gate that not only serves as the main access point but also expands the living space into a gallery, providing extensive natural light and views of the sea.

Two additional skylights are placed on the roof, positioned over the sleeping areas on the upper level to improve lighting and ventilation. The toilet, kitchen, and storage areas are located on the lower level, while two sleeping spaces occupy the upper mezzanine level, which has a reduced ceiling height.

Credits

Architects: IR arquitectura

Design Team: Luciano Intile, Enrico Cavaglià, and Francisco Escapil

Associate Firms: OOAA · Oficios Asociados and Chocha

Photography: Joaquín Portela