House PR — Modern Extension and Courtyards in Ituzaingó, Buenos Aires

The integration of an existing home with a contemporary addition can take many forms. Site conditions, the homeowners’ needs, the character of the original building and the budget all shape the direction of an extension. In the neighborhood of Ituzaingó in Buenos Aires, Argentina, House PR takes an indoor-outdoor approach: a series of courtyards and covered walkways thoughtfully connect the old structure with the new. The new pavilion, arranged on a single level adjacent to the original house, creates a sequence of sheltered outdoor spaces that serve as transitions between the different volumes.

Designed by GMARQ, the new wing feels contemporary and relaxed, with the pool and garden emerging as the visual and functional center of the composition. Large sliding and stackable glass doors fold away to visually and physically connect the living room, dining area, kitchen and bedrooms to the landscaped exterior. The façade combines warm timber with glass and polished concrete-like finishes in subtle gray tones, creating an elegant balance between natural and refined materials.

Inside, the palette is restrained and sophisticated: wood and white surfaces set a calm backdrop, while the kitchen introduces glossy black cabinetry and stainless steel appliances for contrast. The generous central island anchors the kitchen visually and functionally, offering both food preparation space and casual seating that opens to the outdoors. Natural light floods interiors through full-height glazing, while the materials and finishes maintain a refined, livable aesthetic.

The living area is designed for effortless indoor-outdoor living. When the glass doors are opened, the interior expands toward the pool and garden, blending social spaces and landscape into a single experience. The pool is more than an amenity; its linear form and stepping-stone details become organizing elements that link the different wings of the house while framing views from interior rooms.

The challenge for this project, situated in a compact neighborhood of Ituzaingó, was to reuse the existing construction and extend it toward the generous plot. After studying several options, GMARQ established a programmatic division: the original building now functions primarily as a S.U.M. (a multipurpose room) and barbecue space for visitors, while the newly constructed pavilion serves as the family’s everyday home.

Thoughtful spatial planning lets private and public programs coexist without conflict. The courtyard system and stepping-stone pool divide and connect simultaneously, creating moments of privacy as well as open areas for social life. Planting and garden edges soften the built forms and enhance the experience of moving between interior rooms and outdoor spaces.

At dusk, warm exterior lighting highlights pathways, the pool edge and façade textures, transforming the property into an inviting evening environment. The lighting design emphasizes movement and orientation: illuminated walkways guide circulation while accent lights reveal material transitions and landscape features.

House PR demonstrates how a sensitive addition can redefine a property without erasing its history. Through careful material choices, a clear programmatic strategy and a network of courtyards and walkways, the project achieves a cohesive, contemporary home that celebrates both indoor comfort and outdoor living. The result is a residence that balances elegance and practicality—an inviting, modern family home rooted in its site.