# A Geometric Ruin: Residential Architecture in Villa La Bolsa Architects 00L utilize patio-centric design to redefine domestic order in Argentina's landscape. - **Source:** [ArchDaily Global](https://brifing.si/source/b856ce4a-b51b-4705-954b-40620e034caa) - **Published:** 2026-10-28 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/1abd9b97-2e15-4049-a9a8-9dd451a53210 ## Architectural Context and Location The project, titled A Geometric Ruin, is situated in the Córdoba hinterland of Villa La Bolsa, Argentina. Designed by the office 00L, the residential structure spans 140 square meters. Completed in 2023, the design addresses the challenge of inhabiting an open landscape through a deliberate act of spatial delimitation and order. ## Patio as Generative Principle The architects adopted the patio as the primary generative principle for the layout. This choice draws upon a long-standing architectural tradition of organizing dwellings around an open central space. By utilizing this typology, the design creates a clear distinction between the interior domestic environment and the expansive natural surroundings of the region. ## Historical Design References The project explicitly references iconic works such as Jørn Utzon’s Kingo Houses and Alvar Aalto’s Muuratsalo Experimental House. These historical precedents inform the L-shaped configuration used by 00L. By integrating these influences, the architects establish a sophisticated relationship between domestic intimacy, the surrounding landscape, and the broader concept of collective life. ## Materiality and Structural Choices Steel is the primary material utilized in the construction of this residential project. The choice of steel supports the low-cost objective while maintaining the structural integrity required for the L-shaped geometry. This material selection reflects a pragmatic approach to modern residential construction, balancing economic constraints with the need for precise spatial articulation. ## Spatial Articulation and Intimacy The L-shaped floor plan is designed to articulate the transition between private domestic spaces and the open landscape. By centering the house around a patio, the architects create a protected zone that fosters intimacy. This layout effectively manages the tension between the need for shelter and the desire for connection to nature. ## Design Team and Documentation The design team behind this project consists of Ignacio Servetto and Mirko Romagnoli. Their work on this 140-square-meter residence was documented through photographs taken by Juan Cruz Paredes. The project serves as a case study for contemporary residential architecture in Argentina, emphasizing the importance of site-specific planning and historical architectural dialogue. ## Project Scale and Efficiency At 140 square meters, the project demonstrates how limited footprints can be maximized through intelligent spatial organization. By prioritizing the patio, the architects avoid unnecessary complexity, focusing instead on the efficiency of the L-shaped volume. This approach highlights how geometric simplicity can yield significant spatial quality in a residential setting. ## Legacy of Residential Typologies The project underscores the enduring relevance of the patio typology in modern residential design. By reinterpreting classical models for the Córdoba hinterland, 00L provides a contemporary solution to the problem of domestic order. This work remains a notable example of how historical architectural principles continue to shape modern living environments today. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.archdaily.com/1187661/a-geometric-ruin — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._