In response to the diverse topographies and natural conditions throughout the Argentine territory, the works of Luciano Kruk propose an architecture that works in harmony with the environment, the landscape, and the nature in which they are situated. Whether immersed in a forest, on sloping terrain, or on a rural plain, among other geographies, his intention is to enhance the relationship between the interior and exterior of the architecture, using concrete as the main material in most of his projects.
Born in Buenos Aires, Luciano Kruk graduated as an architect from the University of Buenos Aires around the year 2000. He was a member of BAK arquitectos studio (Besonías-Almeida-Kruk), receiving significant recognition for his work until 2012 when he founded Luciano Kruk Arquitectos. In the academic field, he was a project professor at the University of Buenos Aires from 2000 to 2009 and has currently been invited to give lectures and seminars at various universities in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Spain, Italy, and the United States, such as the Polytechnic University of Madrid (ETSAM), the University of Venice (IUAV), the University of Santa Catarina in Brazil (UNIVALI), among others. Additionally, he received awards such as the SCA-CPAU Prize for the L4 House at the XVI Buenos Aires Architecture Biennial (2016). He participated in international events and exhibitions such as 'Architecture Week Prague 2015' and the XXI Pan-American Biennial of Architecture of Quito (BAQ 2018).
Developing numerous individual and collective housing projects in both natural environments and the dense urban setting of Buenos Aires, his approach proposes an architecture of coexistence and integration with the surrounding landscape. While much of his work is characterized by the use of reinforced concrete as the sole and primary material, its use stands out not only in developing the structural framework but also extends as a spatial, aesthetic, and constructive structure, shaping the entire architecture. Conceived as a whole, the design is considered from the structure, the entry of light, and spatiality, with priority generally given to the living room, dining room, and kitchen as the main spaces where it is expected that the inhabitants will spend most of their time in the homes.
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It is hard to separate the stoutness of the built object and the landscape's sensitivity. The term landscape recalls our objective in this and every other project: the coexistence between the house and its surrounding nature. – excerpt from the description sent by the authors about Cariló House
The choice of exposed concrete is defined by seeking an austere and honest stone material that does not require significant maintenance investments over the house's lifespan, resulting in being economical and guaranteeing the durability of the construction over time. Furthermore, from a visual and aesthetic aspect regarding its color and texture, the proposals coincide in integrating concrete with the surroundings without standing out prominently, seeking a harmonious coexistence and dialogue with the landscape. On the other hand, by unifying and carrying out everything with the same material, the times are streamlined towards the end of the work by lacking certain finishing details and simplifying both the construction process and the coordination of sectors with fewer intervening actors. Once the concrete tasks are finished, the carpentry is installed and the house is practically completed.
Furthermore, certain noble qualities of this material are taken advantage of to solve support elements incorporated into the walls. The exposed concrete surfaces reveal their artisanal formwork. For example, horizontal pine boards can be used for partitions, while the joints left by phenolic plates can be perceived in the ceilings. In most of their works, concrete forms a shell that is closed using glass as an enclosure around its perimeter. From their perspective, the reflections from the glass also contribute to achieving that respectful integration with the natural and built environment.
Below, explore a selection of housing projects that extend from the Atlantic Coast to the outskirts of Greater Buenos Aires.
House in the Countryside
Escobar House
House in the Trees
10 House
Cariló House
Rodriguez House
BLQ House
Ecuestre House
MACH House
House 2LH
S+J House
House in the Dune
H3 House
L4 House
Golf House
MR House
SV House
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.
