Residential SERIES  •  Article FEATURE

Amidst a landscape of forest and lake, UNPUENTE emerges as a refuge that celebrates both family gathering and the serenity of couple life.

From its very name, the project makes a statement: to be a bridge in multiple dimensions. Paolini Arquitectos sought to materialize the idea of connection as the guiding principle, giving rise to a residence that unites generations, guests and hosts, nature and architecture. The bridge becomes more than a metaphor—it becomes an everyday experience. Crossing the elevated walkway at the entrance is an inaugural act that encapsulates the project’s intention, extending architecture toward the lake and anticipating immersion in a privileged natural setting. The site, overlooking Embalse Los Molinos in the Valle de Calamuchita, lends the work its distinctive character. Surrounded by forest and with uninterrupted lake views, the house integrates seamlessly into a landscape that dictates the rhythms of living. This intimate connection with nature is reinforced by a program that invites both contemplative rest and physical activity linked to water sports. The architecture thus becomes a mediator between the tranquility of the environment and the vitality of family life.

"Between forest and lake, architecture can be more than shelter: it can be a link, a horizon, and a celebration, uniting nature, family, and permanence in a single gesture."

The steep slope of the site posed the first challenge, resolved through a design that embraces the topography rather than resists it. Elevated to street level, the entrance is conceived as a striking gesture: a bridge that projects over the terrain to embrace the view. From this point, the house unfolds across two levels, arranging spaces according to degrees of privacy and connection to the environment. This solution not only addresses the physical conditions of the site but also strengthens the architectural narrative: the residence itself is a bridge in constant dialogue with nature.

The main living areas are concentrated on the upper floor. The owners’ suite ensures privacy, while the social spaces—living room, dining, and kitchen—are strategically oriented toward the lake. Their slightly angled arrangement enhances the panoramic view, inviting the landscape to flow indoors. Complementing this experience, the gallery, solarium, and pool expand social life outward, dissolving the limits between inside and nature. This level functions as a continuous lookout, where every room becomes a stage for contemplation.

"Every line, material, and space dialogues with the landscape, affirming that true modernity is living in harmony, where life merges seamlessly with the environment."

The helical staircase linking the two floors stands out as one of the project’s most remarkable features. More than a means of circulation, it is a sculptural element that visually and symbolically organizes the house. Its curving form contrasts with the prevailing orthogonal geometry, while the overhead skylight bathes it in shifting light throughout the day. This gesture reinforces the idea of a bridge: the staircase unites different worlds—intimacy and openness, rest and celebration—with a language that is both functional and poetic.

The lower level, partially embedded in the terrain, is designed as a flexible gathering space. Central and lateral courtyards ensure natural light and cross ventilation, preventing any sense of enclosure. Here lies the SUM (Multipurpose Room), conceived as an informal hub for games and social events. Equipped with a grill and independent access, it allows for receiving guests without disrupting the family’s daily dynamics. This independence multiplies the possibilities of use and reinforces the idea of a versatile refuge. Conceived as both link and horizon, the home extends its forms into the natural world, turning each space into an invitation to meet and contemplate.

Material choices reflect the need for durability and low maintenance, essential for a home designed for intensive use and direct contact with nature. Exposed concrete, iron, and wood come together in a sober, timeless language. Concrete ensures stability against the slope and the passing of time, while wood adds warmth and balance. This material honesty gives the project authenticity and permanence, reaffirming the notion of architecture as something built to endure.

Beyond its technical achievements, UNPUENTE conveys a positive vision of contemporary living: the possibility of enjoying intimacy, sociability, and connection with nature in balance. Paolini Arquitectos delivers a project that transcends the notion of a weekend house to become a celebratory refuge—a place where life flows seamlessly across generations, activities, and landscapes. With intelligence and sensitivity, the architects synthesize in built form the essence of sharing and belonging.