We worked inside out, with a highly tailored room program as a tool for volumetric disposition and functional organization. We grouped specific needs into different modules that could be adjusted in size without affecting the general configuration. The resulting arrangement defines a system of outdoor spaces, each of them with its own character and purpose and in direct relation to the interiors.

All the social spaces of the house are located on the ground floor, each with a distinct indoor-outdoor connection to the garden. The living room, kitchen, and dining area share a single generous open space with views to the lawn, the forest, and the ravine. The second floor is dedicated exclusively to the sleeping areas, with the master bedroom, children’s rooms and guestroom arranged in a compact layout. The intention for the second floor was to minimize hallway space without compromising privacy, all 4 bedrooms are equipped with in-suite bathrooms and walk-in closets.

The main feature in this residence is the “quincho”, a typical domestic space in Argentinian single-family houses which people use year-round. The quincho is usually built as a roofed outdoor terrace by the garden or swimming pool, equipped with a coal grill and a lunch-dining table for family gatherings and celebrations. In the Ravine House the quincho is adapted to the NY climate by means of floor-to-ceiling sliding glass-walls on opposite sides, so it can perform as an extension of the pool area during the summer or as an extension of the indoor spaces during the long winters.