La Cunka, Cozy Shelters with Spectacular Views

Nestled on a slope of a mountain, these two compact shelters immerse their inhabitants into an enthralling, tranquil landscape.

Built on an eastern mountain slope close to the town of Potrero de Garay, Argentina, La Cunka are two shelters that bring people closer to nature, immersing them in an enthralling landscape. Admiring the views, guests can take in not only the Sierras Chicas mountains, but also the Los Molinos lake. Architecture firm Galetto estudio designed the cabins as two compact volumes that minimize their impact on the pristine site and coexist with nature while still maximizing comfort.

Minimalist and modern, the two volumes boast simple rectangular forms. Their orientation makes the most of the views and optimize access to natural light. Both cabins stand on square foundations made with locally sourced stone. Cantilevered over the stone bases, the shelters offer access to panoramic views of the surrounding vegetation, mountains, and lake.

Manufactured with durable steel frames, the two volumes feature dark wood cladding treated to withstand the test of time as well as the weather conditions of the site. By contrast, the interiors boast warmer and lighter wood surfaces that create a cozy atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling glazing and sliding glass doors bring nature inside, immersing the inhabitants into the beauty of the landscape.

While compact, the two cabins provide all the comforts of a modern home. One side of each cabin contains a large bed, with the other housing a dining/lounge area and a kitchenette. Finished in concrete that becomes a canvas for the changing light throughout the day, the bathroom with a shower features a glass wall which opens to the surrounding greenery. Outside, guests also have access to a small terrace with a swimming pool.

For this project, Galetto estudio not only chose locally sourced materials, but also collaborated with local craftspeople. While the metal structures were assembled on site, the wood walls, ceilings and floors were skillfully built by local carpenters. Photographs© Javier Agustín Rojas.