A striking new residential project has emerged in Escobar, Buenos Aires, demonstrating how contemporary architecture can work within restrictive building regulations while maintaining innovative design principles. House CM, designed by AtelierM in collaboration with Nicolas Krause, represents a thoughtful response to the challenges of building in a strictly regulated gated community environment.
The 315-square-meter house, completed in 2022, was constructed on one of the last available lots within a gated community known for its deeply traditional and restrictive building codes. Among the most challenging constraints was a requirement that all roofs be sloped, a regulation that initially seemed to point toward conventional and repetitive architectural solutions. This requirement posed a significant design challenge for the architectural team, who sought to create something distinctive while respecting local regulations.
The design team, led by Matias Mosquera and Nicolas Krause, included Camila Gianicolo, Lucia Ayerbe Rant, Carolina Tobar, Francisco Gomez Paratcha, and Cristian Grasso. Their collaborative approach enabled them to navigate the complex regulatory environment while developing innovative solutions. The project also benefited from specialized expertise, with structural calculations handled by Gustavo Carreira and landscape design conceived by Carolina Pell.
The architectural solution demonstrates how creative design thinking can transform regulatory constraints into design opportunities. Rather than viewing the sloped roof requirement as a limitation, the team used it as a starting point for developing a distinctive architectural language that stands apart from the conventional residential designs typically found in such regulated environments.
The project showcases the potential for contemporary residential architecture to thrive even within restrictive regulatory frameworks. House CM serves as an example of how architects can work creatively within established building codes to produce innovative and visually striking residential designs that contribute positively to their communities while maintaining compliance with local requirements.
