At a time when sustainable building practices are becoming increasingly important, the Refugio en el Delta in Argentina's Tigre Delta really stands out: As one of the first passive house-certified residential buildings in Argentina, it provides an example of how modern design principles can be harmonised with the natural environment – with resilience, sustainability and innovative aspects included.
| Type of Building | Private Home |
| Product areas | Windows Doors Sliding doors |
| Schüco Systems | LivIng 82 |
| Features | New build Energy efficiency Passive house Resilience Design and Aesthetics |
| Location | San Fernando, Argentina |
| Completion | 2022 |
| Architects | MAPA Arquitectos; Joaquín Berdés |
| Specialist company | El Bulevar Aberturas S.A. |
| Picture credits | © Leonardo Finotti |
The Refugio en el Delta is an innovative residence in the Argentinean city of Delta del Tigre, which combines modern architecture with the natural characteristics of the region. It has been designed as an amphibious house. This term is derived from the animal kingdom and describes a building that is designed to adapt to rising and falling water levels. It has been constructed on a raised foundation to withstand the seasonal flooding of the Paraná-Miní River.
The house was constructed from pre-fabricated units that were transported using small boats. The main materials used were laminated wood from reforested Elliotis pine and pre-fabricated SIP panels. These materials create a harmonious link between architecture and nature and contribute to the development of environmentally friendly living concepts in Argentina.
The Refugio is one of the first passive houses in Argentina and follows a bioclimatic approach that minimises energy consumption and maximises indoor comfort. An optimal climate within the house is ensured thanks to targeted measures for airtightness and heat transfer. The Schüco LivIng PVC-U window system installed achieves excellent thermal insulation values. The layout of the rooms promotes interaction with the outside world while minimising energy loss. The main usable areas are oriented towards the north to make the best possible use of the sunlight. A system of gallery windows regulates the light coming in and creates a flowing transition between inside and outside.
