Revolutionizing Wood Architecture: The Santos House

Exploring the Unique Design and Innovative Construction of Fernando Abelleyro's Award-Winning Project

The Santos House, located in Escobar, Province of Buenos Aires, is a testament to the versatility and constructive possibility that wood offers. Abelleyro was inspired by the need to promote wood as a reliable and noble construction material, which has been historically underappreciated in his country. The house's design was largely influenced by its context, aiming to establish a fluid relationship between the interior and the exterior.

One of the unique features of the Santos House is its strategic design to enable maximum natural light. This was achieved by moving the floors in section, creating a double-height space with a glazed ceiling. This design choice allows the interior of the house on its two floors to be visually and spatially integrated with the surroundings, favoring the entry of light. A metal roof with a wooden structure flies over the skylight, protecting it from the incidence of the west sun.

The house was constructed using specific wood sheet structures, including columns composed of ropes and eucalyptus straps free of knots and kiln dry. The exterior features siding of knot-free eucalyptus and oven dry, while the interior boasts 18 mm eucalyptus phenolic multi-laminate plates. The outdoor deck is made of knot-free and kiln-dried eucalyptus boards. All wooden elements were treated with lasur and polyurethane lacquer with a cedar tint.

The Santos House project started in December 2001 and was completed in 2002. The project faced numerous challenges, including obtaining a technical aptitude certificate, dealing with an economic crisis, and the difficulty of finding qualified manpower for this type of construction. Despite these obstacles, the project was successfully completed, showcasing the potential of wood as a construction material and the innovative design approach of Abelleyro.

Abelleyro's Santos House has been recognized for its innovative design and construction, winning the Silver A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2020. The award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. The Santos House is indeed a remarkable architectural feat, showcasing the potential of wood as a construction material and setting a new standard for architectural design.