Médanos Patagonia Ecotourism Cabins
San Antonio Oeste, Rio Negro, Argentina / Hospitality
Located on a protected marine reserve on the northwest coast of Patagonia, Médanos Patagonia is an architectural project based on sustainable construction and an ecotourism initiative that aims to promote environmental conservation and create opportunities for sustainable economic growth for the local community.
The project consists of small low-rise cabins built on platforms raised on stilts, built using local construction methods and materials. This allowed for the protection of the existing vegetation, which is deeply rooted in the earth and whose elimination would cause damage to the “médanos” or dunes that compose the site.
To cope with the strong winds and extreme temperatures, low-technology and low-energy consumption strategies were necessary. The architecture of the cabins prioritizes spatial continuity, natural light, and views of the sea, and they share a common design language and materials.
Designing the cabins in consultation with biologists and other conservation specialists was fundamental to understand and preserve this important and unique ecosystem.
Credits
Architects
Mario Corea
Diane Gray Paula Campra Diego Nakamatsu Marcelo Ranzini Eugenio Tioni
Project Team
Flavia Andolfi Alba Casanovas Mario Dalmasso Enric Navarro Anna Prats Manuela Valtchanova
Project Management
Hugo Dujovne Patricia Llonch
Photography Martín Brunella
Mario Corea Diane Gray