Architectural Cases

HIKARI House: A Symphony of Light and Landscape in Argentina

HIKARI House, a striking residential project by Estudio PK, redefines modern living for a couple transitioning into an 'empty nest' phase. Located in Rincón de Milberg, Argentina, this 420 m² home, completed in 2026, is a testament to thoughtful design that prioritizes horizontality, intimacy, and a deep connection to the natural landscape. Rather than being confined by traditional walls, the house's layout is guided by carefully orchestrated pathways and expansive views, creating a fluid and harmonious living experience.

The core philosophy behind HIKARI House revolves around creating a living environment that is both functional and emotionally resonant. For a couple whose children have grown and moved out, the design eschews superfluous verticality in favor of a sprawling ground-floor arrangement. This choice fosters a sense of groundedness and ease, allowing for seamless movement and accessibility. The architects at Estudio PK meticulously crafted spaces that blend into each other, offering intimate nooks while maintaining an overall open and airy feel. The integration of the house with its surroundings is paramount; large windows and strategic orientations ensure that the beauty of the landscape becomes an integral part of the interior décor.

The design journey began with understanding the couple's evolving lifestyle needs. With the absence of children, the focus shifted to creating a sanctuary that would cater to their personal interests and desire for tranquility. This led to an architectural narrative where visual corridors and natural vistas act as primary spatial organizers. Every angle and every room is carefully considered to maximize natural light and offer captivating views, blurring the lines between indoor comfort and outdoor splendor. The choice of materials, such as wood and concrete, further reinforces this connection, bringing organic textures and a sense of permanence to the structure.

HIKARI House stands as an exemplary model of how residential architecture can adapt to life's changing chapters. It demonstrates that a home can be more than just a dwelling; it can be a carefully curated experience that enhances daily life through thoughtful design, a strong connection to nature, and an emphasis on personal well-being.

Casa Nova: A Coastal Retreat by TAC Taller Alberto Calleja

Nestled in Mazunte, Mexico, Casa Nova stands as a testament to innovative coastal architecture, meticulously crafted by TAC Taller Alberto Calleja. This residence occupies a generous 1,732 m² parcel, distinguished by its unique and challenging 12-meter beachfront width, a key element that shaped its entire design philosophy.

The architectural vision for Casa Nova centered on harmonizing luxury with the natural beauty of its coastal setting. The design leverages the panoramic ocean views and the gentle sea breeze, creating an open and inviting atmosphere. Thoughtful material selection, such as robust concrete and warm wood, ensures durability against the elements while maintaining an elegant aesthetic. The interior spaces flow seamlessly into outdoor areas, featuring balconies and decks that offer residents intimate connections with the environment.

Casa Nova is a prime example of how architectural constraints can inspire creative solutions, resulting in a home that not only meets the functional demands of its inhabitants but also enhances their connection to the surrounding landscape. It encourages a lifestyle of tranquility and appreciation for nature, demonstrating a deep understanding of site-specific design and sustainable practices. The project underscores the importance of innovative thinking in architecture to create spaces that are both beautiful and resilient.

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Ammodo Architecture's Inaugural Architecture Days in Amsterdam to Foster Global Design Dialogue

Ammodo Architecture is poised to host its premier Architecture Days event in Amsterdam on November 9 and 10, 2026. This gathering, organized by the Ammodo Foundation's architecture initiative, will convene architects, landscape designers, urban planners, artists, community groups, and interdisciplinary design teams. The event will also celebrate recipients of the 2024 and 2025 Ammodo Architecture Awards. Located at Westergas, a former industrial site transformed into a vibrant cultural venue, the two-day program will feature a symposium, an exhibition, a publication unveiling, and an awards ceremony, fostering a dynamic environment for dialogue among professionals from various geographical, cultural, and disciplinary backgrounds.

The event's agenda highlights 49 projects recognized in the first two editions of the Ammodo Architecture Award, organized around six key themes: Reclaim, Heritage, Urban Acupuncture, Rebalance, Mastering Material, and Reuse. These themes encompass projects that prioritize the adaptive use of existing structures and materials, integrate local knowledge, promote community involvement, and address evolving urban challenges. The emphasis is placed equally on the creative processes and the final outcomes. Notable projects include Paraa's Machan_Korail Community Platform in Bangladesh, which repurposed a former landfill into a vibrant community and cultural hub; gaupenraub+/−'s VinziRast am Land in Austria, which transformed a luxury hotel into a residential and working community; and RAMA estudio's Sustainable Alleys in Ecuador, which explores the potential of Quito's alleys as greener, more socially integrated public spaces.

Global Perspectives on Sustainable Design and Community Engagement

Ammodo Architecture Days serves as a crucial platform for exploring innovative architectural approaches that prioritize social and ecological responsibility. By bringing together a diverse array of professionals, the event aims to foster cross-cultural and interdisciplinary dialogue, highlighting projects that exemplify sustainable practices, community integration, and adaptive reuse. The focus extends beyond the finished product to the underlying processes and collaborative efforts that shape impactful architectural interventions, setting a precedent for future global design conversations.

The symposium, scheduled for November 10, will feature discussions, lectures, and workshops involving award recipients, members of the Ammodo Architecture Advisory Committee, and invited experts. Distinguished speakers will include Andrés Jaque, Dean and Professor at Columbia University GSAPP; Anupama Kundoo, architect and Professor at TU Berlin; Floris Alkemade, former Chief Government Architect of the Netherlands; Loreta Castro Reguera, architect and Professor at UNAM in Mexico City; and Aric Chen, Director of the Zaha Hadid Foundation in London. These sessions are designed to delve into the methodologies, challenges, and successes of projects that address contemporary architectural and urban issues, encouraging a deeper understanding of the transformative power of design. The gathering underscores the event's commitment to showcasing architecture as a tool for social improvement and environmental stewardship.

Showcasing Innovative Projects and Future Architectural Dialogues

The exhibition, a central component of Ammodo Architecture Days, will go beyond a simple display of completed works. Designed by Thonik, Studio LMNOP, and Fiction Factory, it will delve into the concepts, processes, and contextual factors that influenced the projects honored with the 2024 and 2025 Ammodo Architecture Awards. This approach offers a comprehensive understanding of the diverse strategies and philosophies represented across the two award editions, providing valuable insights into the contemporary architectural landscape. The exhibition is slated for an international tour following its Amsterdam debut, broadening its reach and impact.

In conjunction with the exhibition, a new publication by Hatje Cantz will be launched, featuring essays by esteemed contributors and detailed analyses of the award-winning projects. The program will culminate in an awards ceremony celebrating the recipients of the 2024 and 2025 Ammodo Architecture Awards across three categories: Social Architecture, Social Engagement, and Local Scale. Starting in 2026, the Ammodo Architecture Award and Ammodo Architecture Days will alternate biennially, establishing a continuous platform for ongoing dialogue and knowledge exchange within the architectural community. This alternating schedule ensures that the discussions and insights generated during the event will continue to resonate and evolve, contributing to the advancement of architectural practice and theory on a global scale.

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