Integrating Nature as a Building Material: Exploring the Works of Estudio Planta

Combining experience, knowledge, tradition, innovation, and experimentation, Estudio Planta, based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, focuses on fostering the relationship between architecture and nature by using vegetation as a building material and integrating outdoor spaces into daily life. Addressing the unique characteristics of each site, programmatic innovation, sustainability, care for noble materials, and construction details, the practice defines its identity by proposing ways of living in harmony with its inhabitants and understanding the legacy that architecture can leave for society.

Integrating Nature as a Building Material: Exploring the Works of Estudio Planta - Image 2 of 10Integrating Nature as a Building Material: Exploring the Works of Estudio Planta - Image 3 of 10Integrating Nature as a Building Material: Exploring the Works of Estudio Planta - Image 4 of 10Integrating Nature as a Building Material: Exploring the Works of Estudio Planta - Image 5 of 10Integrating Nature as a Building Material: Exploring the Works of Estudio Planta - More Images+ 5

Led by architects Irene Joselevich and Ana Rascovsky, Estudio Planta works on everything from residential design, interior projects, and commercial spaces to extensions, public space interventions, and landscaping, as well as participation in various exhibitions and competitions. Both graduates of the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Urbanism at the University of Buenos Aires (FADU-UBA), they have been active in the academic field through teaching and research and have received numerous awards in recognition of their work.

Integrating Nature as a Building Material: Exploring the Works of Estudio Planta - Image 6 of 10
CasaGrande Building / Estudio Planta. Image © Leonardo Finnotti

Committed to the community, Estudio Planta approaches architecture with a focus on people, viewing design as an added value or a constructed thought that begins with a unique concept for each project. Central patios, terraces, balconies, and vegetation porches play a prominent role in most of their works, creating different connections between public and private spaces, interiors, and exteriors. The relationship with the outdoors and vegetation is evident beyond scales, the users involved, or programmatic resolutions, often aiming to assimilate with nature and blend into the environment.

Integrating Nature as a Building Material: Exploring the Works of Estudio Planta - Image 4 of 10
Vilela II / Estudio Planta. Image © Federico Cairioli

From the CasaGrande Building, which features a central courtyard with labyrinthine walkways among the treetops, to the Commodore Apartment Building, with its diverse outdoor spaces promoting a lifestyle connected to the outdoors and nature within the city, their architecture integrates typologies that incorporate native vegetation, maximize sunlight exposure, open up views, and more. The design of outdoor spaces involves creating microclimates that shield inhabitants from strong winds, help regulate temperatures in front of large glazed surfaces, provide natural light and cross ventilation to interiors, and create spaces for social interaction, among other benefits.

Integrating Nature as a Building Material: Exploring the Works of Estudio Planta - Image 7 of 10
Commodore Apartment Building / Planta. Image © Javier Agustín Rojas

Below, discover some of their works built in recent years that, through various spatial configurations and construction details, enhance the dialogue with nature.

CasaGrande Building

Integrating Nature as a Building Material: Exploring the Works of Estudio Planta - Image 2 of 10
CasaGrande Building / Estudio Planta. Image © Leonardo Finnotti
Integrating Nature as a Building Material: Exploring the Works of Estudio Planta - Image 8 of 10
Detail. CasaGrande Building / Estudio Planta.

Vilela II

Integrating Nature as a Building Material: Exploring the Works of Estudio Planta - Image 5 of 10
Vilela II / Estudio Planta. Image © Federico Cairioli
Integrating Nature as a Building Material: Exploring the Works of Estudio Planta - Image 10 of 10
Section. Vilela II / Estudio Planta.

Commodore Apartment Building

Integrating Nature as a Building Material: Exploring the Works of Estudio Planta - Image 3 of 10
Commodore Apartment Building / Planta. Image © Javier Agustín Rojas
Integrating Nature as a Building Material: Exploring the Works of Estudio Planta - Image 9 of 10
Longitudinal section detail. Commodore Apartment Building / Planta.

This article is part of an ArchDaily series titled Get to Know the Works of, where we look at the built portfolio of a studio, explore their creative process, and highlight their approach. As always, at ArchDaily, we greatly appreciate the contributions of our readers. If you think we should highlight a particular architectural firm, send us your suggestions.

This article is part of the ArchDaily Topics: Women in Architecture presented by Sky-Frame.

Sky-Frame is characterized by its empathic ability to take on different perspectives and points of view. We are interested in people and their visions, whether in architecture or in a social context. We deeply care about creating living spaces and in doing so we also question the role of women in architecture. From the arts to the sciences, women shape our society. We want to shed more light on this role, increase the visibility of Women in Architecture and empower/encourage them to realize their full potential.

Initiated by Sky-Frame, the "Women in Architecture" documentary is an impulse for inspiration, discussion, and reflection. The film's release is on November 12, 2024.

Every month we explore a topic in-depth through articles, interviews, news, and architecture projects. We invite you to learn more about our ArchDaily Topics. And, as always, at ArchDaily we welcome the contributions of our readers; if you want to submit an article or project, contact us.

Image gallery

See allShow less
About this author
Cite: Iñiguez, Agustina. "Integrating Nature as a Building Material: Exploring the Works of Estudio Planta" [Integrar la naturaleza como material constructivo: conociendo las obras de Estudio Planta] 15 Dec 2024. ArchDaily. (Trans. Piñeiro, Antonia ) Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1023918/integrating-nature-as-a-building-material-exploring-the-works-of-estudio-planta> ISSN 0719-8884

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.