Casa Aranzazu in Buenos Aires integrates architecture with nature using concrete, wood, and mature trees in a leafy setting.

Casa Aranzazu: Integrating Architecture with Nature Through Timber and Concrete in Buenos Aires

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Written by Sam Johnson

2026-09-23

In Buenos Aires, Argentina, Casa Aranzazu stands out as a remarkable example of architecture that embraces its natural setting. Designed by Besonias Almeida arquitectos, this modern family home on a leafy corner lot showcases the symbiosis between built spaces and mature oaks.

Embracing Architecture with Nature

Situated in a neighborhood established in 1968, Casa Aranzazu carefully integrates with its environment. The design ingeniously wraps around existing trees and shrubs, creating a seamless dialogue between the built environment and the surrounding greenery.

To explore more on how architecture harmonizes with nature, check out the Counter-Slope House’s Subtle Grace for another stunning example of nature-inspired design.

Modern concrete and wood house in a corner-lot setting with large windows near trees.
Casa Aranzazu in Buenos Aires by Besonias Almeida arquitectos is a modern concrete and wood house designed around mature trees, with large windows and a leafy corner-lot setting.

A cohesive design approach

The architects crafted the house to ensure that outdoor and indoor spaces are tangibly connected. A blend of exposed concrete and warm wood defines the home’s aesthetic, offering a rich contrast that highlights the property’s unique features through a merging of construction and the natural world.

Concrete and wood house designed around mature trees with large windows and leafy surroundings.
Casa Aranzazu in Buenos Aires by Besonias Almeida arquitectos is a modern concrete and wood house designed around mature trees, with large windows and a leafy corner-lot setting.
Modern house with concrete, wood, large windows, and mature trees on a leafy corner lot.
Casa Aranzazu in Buenos Aires by Besonias Almeida arquitectos is a modern concrete and wood house designed around mature trees, with large windows and a leafy corner-lot setting.

An inviting entrance

The journey begins at a grand pivoting wood door that frames a view stretching all the way to the backyard. This entrance reveals the architectural narrative, where timber’s warmth complements concrete’s solidity.

Large pivoting wood front door at Casa Aranzazu offers views through to the backyard.
A large pivoting wood front door creates a beautiful entrance to Casa Aranzazu, with a view extending through the house toward the backyard.

Interiors that speak volumes

Inside, the living room is adorned with a sleek wood shelving unit. This feature not only adds storage but also enhances the cozy atmosphere created by abundant natural light through expansive windows. A concrete fireplace, complete with wood storage, invites comfort.

Living room with exposed concrete, wood shelving, large windows, and a built-in fireplace.
Explore the modern living room of Casa Aranzazu, where exposed concrete, warm wood shelving, large windows and a built-in fireplace create a clean yet inviting interior.
Modern living room featuring exposed concrete, wood shelving, large windows, and fireplace.
Explore the modern living room of Casa Aranzazu, where exposed concrete, warm wood shelving, large windows and a built-in fireplace create a clean yet inviting interior.
Exposed concrete and wood in living room with large windows and built-in fireplace.
Explore the modern living room of Casa Aranzazu, where exposed concrete, warm wood shelving, large windows and a built-in fireplace create a clean yet inviting interior.

The kitchen’s bold statement

The kitchen adopts a darker visual palette, featuring black cabinets juxtaposed with concrete fittings. This design choice reinforces the modern, clean look throughout the home, balancing warmth and industrial influence.

Kitchen with black cabinets, countertops, and concrete shelving for a dark, modern palette.
The Casa Aranzazu kitchen combines black cabinets and countertops with concrete shelving for a dark, modern material palette that complements the rest of the home.
Dark kitchen with black cabinetry, concrete shelving, and modern material integration.
The Casa Aranzazu kitchen combines black cabinets and countertops with concrete shelving for a dark, modern material palette that complements the rest of the home.

Outdoor harmony

At the house’s rear, a covered dining area blends smoothly with the garden, extending the living space outside. The transition to the backyard is marked by a refreshing pool, establishing strong visual and physical connections with the environment.

Backyard features covered dining area, bar, swimming pool, connecting interior and garden.
Casa Aranzazu opens toward a backyard with a covered outdoor dining area, bar and swimming pool, creating an easy connection between the interior and garden.
Outdoor dining area and pool create indoor-outdoor living connection in the backyard.
Casa Aranzazu opens toward a backyard with a covered outdoor dining area, bar and swimming pool, creating an easy connection between the interior and garden.
Covered outdoor dining, bar, and pool facilitate seamless interior-garden connection.
Casa Aranzazu opens toward a backyard with a covered outdoor dining area, bar and swimming pool, creating an easy connection between the interior and garden.
Backyard with dining area, bar, pool, linking indoors and garden space.
Casa Aranzazu opens toward a backyard with a covered outdoor dining area, bar and swimming pool, creating an easy connection between the interior and garden.

Stairs as a visual feature

Concrete stairs ascend to the upper level, strategically visible from the garden through large windows. They become more than just a functional element, enriching the architectural vista with elements that complement the natural surroundings.

If you are intrigued by innovative use of timber, discover the Charred Timber Cabin on the Sázava River for a unique architectural approach.

Concrete stairs and large windows form a striking architectural feature, visible from outside.
Concrete stairs and large windows create a strong architectural feature inside Casa Aranzazu, with the staircase also visible from the backyard.
Striking interior design with concrete stairs and large windows, visible from the garden.
Concrete stairs and large windows create a strong architectural feature inside Casa Aranzazu, with the staircase also visible from the backyard.

Nature-framed bedrooms

The bedrooms feature vast windows, inviting the lush greenery into the interiors. Set among the trees, these spaces continue the design’s dialogue with nature, with a thoughtful spatial grid accommodating the flora seamlessly.

Wood cabinetry and a small bridge visually connect the home's different levels.
A small bridge and wood cabinetry continue the timber details found downstairs, creating a visual connection between the different levels of this modern Buenos Aires home.
Timber bridge and cabinetry link various levels within the modern Buenos Aires home.
A small bridge and wood cabinetry continue the timber details found downstairs, creating a visual connection between the different levels of this modern Buenos Aires home.

The ambience of a darker bathroom

The bathroom’s design presents darker tones with black and grey tiles. Positioned strategically, the bathtub enjoys a serene garden view, making nature part of the relaxing experience.

Bedroom with large windows providing natural light and views of surrounding trees.
Large bedroom windows fill Casa Aranzazu with natural light while framing views of the mature trees surrounding the house.

Casa Aranzazu proves that integrating architecture with an existing landscape can start at conception. Instead of imposing on the land, Besonias Almeida arquitectos let mature trees guide their design from the outset, resulting in a harmonious and innovative living space inspired by natural elements.

Bathroom features black and grey tiles with a window-side bathtub overlooking the outdoors.
The bathroom at Casa Aranzazu pairs black and grey tiles with a bathtub positioned beside a window overlooking the outdoors.

Photography by Federico Kulekdjian | Design: María Victoria Besonías, Guillermo de Almeida | Collaborators: Arch. Micaela Salibe, Arch. Diorella Fortunati, Arch. Guido Galluppo

Source: contemporist.com

Frequently asked questions

How does Casa Aranzazu integrate with its environment?

Casa Aranzazu in Buenos Aires carefully integrates with its environment by wrapping around existing trees and shrubs. This creates a seamless dialogue between the built environment and the surrounding greenery.

What materials define Casa Aranzazu’s aesthetic?

Casa Aranzazu’s aesthetic is defined by a blend of exposed concrete and warm wood. This combination offers a rich contrast that highlights the property’s unique features through a merging of construction and the natural world.

How do the bedrooms at Casa Aranzazu engage with nature?

The bedrooms at Casa Aranzazu feature vast windows inviting lush greenery into the interiors. These spaces continue the design’s dialogue with nature, with a spatial grid thoughtfully accommodating the surrounding flora.