Shire House / AtelierM

Architects: AtelierM
Area: 200 m²
Year: 2023
Photographs: Courtesy of AtelierM
City: Capilla del Señor
Country: Argentina

Shire House, a residential project by AtelierM, explores geometry as a spatial strategy to foster a deeper connection with nature, emerging from a desire by its clients to move beyond confined urban living. The project began by dividing a linear bar to organize the program, then bending it into a continuous circular form without vertices or limits. Parametrizing this geometry enabled articulation between interior spaces and the surrounding land, creating varied spatial situations. The resulting structure incorporates an ascending path as an extension of its curved geometry, offering new living spaces with panoramic views. The design supports a self-sufficient lifestyle, integrating systems for energy, heating, water, and food production. Merging architecture with the landscape prioritizes nature over built form and ensures the house progressively integrates with its environment over time, rather than deteriorating like conventional buildings.

A recurring detail in several of our projects has to do with the flowing nature of concrete. Experiencing how space deforms—when our consciousness is so used to orthogonalizing it—and then seeing it bend and shift fascinates me. That moment of distortion reveals the material’s expressive power.
Interview with Matias Mosquera of AtelierM

Just as the human body defines its relationship to the environment through orientation, architectural positioning is similarly determined. Being directly in front of something is not the same as viewing it from a rotated angle. Ultimately, it is geometry that defines orientation.

Viewed from this perspective, it becomes evident that geometry informs the articulation of space. This concept served as the foundation for Shire, a project commissioned by clients who, after years of living in the city in limited square footage, sought an entirely new experience: to foster a connection with the exterior environment and to generate varying spatial conditions and scenarios, all in relation to nature.

This idea was developed through a two-step process. First, a linear bar was established to organize the programmatic functions. Then, that bar was gradually bent until its ends joined, forming a complete circle, without vertices or limits. Through the parametrization of this geometry, the design team uncovered new ways in which interior spaces could connect to the surrounding land, allowing for a variety of spatial experiences to emerge.

The integration of geometry and natural context gave rise to a new dimension—a gently ascending path that extends from the core geometry. This extension created an elevated living area offering panoramic views. At the same time, the client aimed to leave behind the urban model in favor of a new lifestyle. Rather than continuing cycles of consumption and waste, the intention was to produce, consume as necessary, and recycle. This approach eliminated the concept of garbage, as the system would become self-sustaining. It would generate its own electricity, heating, water, and most importantly, food.

When architecture begins to merge with its natural surroundings, multiple advantages arise. In addition to the clear ecological and functional benefits, the leading role is transferred from the building to nature itself. Moreover, unlike conventional buildings that deteriorate over time, Shire evolves and gradually becomes one with the landscape.