la base studio designs 'casa mendoza' as a glass box in a garden

a secret garden home in buenos aires

Casa Mendoza, designed by La Base Studio, presents a unique challenge in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Found at the intersection of a busy urban grid and an elevated railway, the house sits on a corner lot where streets dead-end into green slopes. This location creates a special duality: the constant hum of the city juxtaposed with the quietude of the neighborhood. The original 1970s house on the property, built by a civil engineer, featured a conventional structure with masonry walls and controlled window access. La Base Studio chose to preserve the core reinforced concrete structure, but the transformation was significant. A service area attached to the neighboring wall was demolished, creating a freestanding structure.

images © Cristóbal Palma

the renovated home by la base studio

The exterior of Casa Mendoza is a study in contrasts by the architects at La Base Studio. A two-inch thick solid wood fence encloses the house, with a similar wood lattice cladding the first floor on most sides. However, the facade facing the busy Superi Street is clad in Portuguese tiles to offer a more durable defense against the constant traffic. This compact three-level house — basement, ground floor, and first floor — fosters a unique connection with the context on each level. The basement opens onto a sunken patio, featuring mirrored walls that reflect the lush vegetation and a Japanese cherry tree. This creates a sense of light and openness in the subterranean space. The ground floor opens onto a surrounding garden through a large glass enclosure. The upper floor serves as a private retreat from the sights and sounds of the city.

casa mendoza enclosed by a timber screen

The material palette of Casa Mendoza is dominated by timber, which La Base Studio uses for walls, floors, and finishes. The wood latticework allows for filtered views, ensuring privacy while maintaining a connection to the outdoors. Despite the extensive use of glass, the house employs a series of sieves and layers, incorporating vegetation, to provide visual, thermal, and acoustic protection. This play on exposure and protection is the central concept that drives the design of Casa Mendoza.