Casa Maui rises within the green corridor of Pilar in Buenos Aires Province, where dense vegetation shapes the residential landscape. Designed by LAK Arquitectura under the direction of Lucas Muñoz, with interior design by Melazza Mobili led by Florencia Melazza and Malena Taboada, the project brings architecture and interior design into a unified narrative. Conceived for a couple with adult children, the residence organizes daily life through clarity of form, restrained material choices, and a strong relationship with the surrounding garden.
HOUSING
The architecture expresses itself through horizontal volumes that extend across the site. Large openings connect interior spaces with the wooded environment, allowing the garden to remain constantly present within the house. The composition favors simple geometric forms and balanced proportions, establishing a calm architectural language that avoids visual excess. Light enters through wide glazing and sheer curtains, softening surfaces and tracing shifting patterns across floors and walls throughout the day.
The plan separates communal areas from private spaces with precision. On the ground level, the living room, dining area, and kitchen form a continuous social zone that supports daily interaction. A double-height volume strengthens the sense of openness, while carefully aligned views create long visual axes toward the garden. The upper level accommodates the bedrooms, where quieter spaces offer a sense of retreat. This spatial arrangement allows the house to support both social gatherings and moments of privacy.
Material transitions play a key role in defining atmosphere. Concrete, wood, and glass appear in deliberate combinations that clarify the architectural structure while supporting the interior design language. Natural materials guide the palette, with local timber, stone surfaces, and restrained black accents shaping the overall composition. Warm gray tones, whites, and earthy hues provide visual continuity throughout the residence.
The main living room reflects the project’s disciplined approach. A library wall presents a carefully curated selection of personal objects, reinforcing the intimate character of the space. A grooved panel of charred black wood marks the transition toward the kitchen while simultaneously defining the backdrop for the dining area. Woven fiber lamps by La Feliz introduce artisanal texture above the dining table, while Cesca chairs and a large modular sofa soften the spatial arrangement. Layered rugs combining sisal and nautical fiber introduce subtle graphic contrast within the seating area.
The kitchen serves as the functional center of the home and introduces a stronger material expression. Custom black cabinetry contrasts with Taj Mahal quartz countertops, producing a striking yet balanced visual composition. Above, a solid petiribi wood ceiling extends outward toward the outdoor grill area, connecting interior and exterior spaces through a continuous material gesture. The outdoor bar features travertine marble surfaces and a natural wood backdrop, maintaining visual continuity with the interior while creating a bright gathering space.
Circulation areas receive sculptural treatment. At the entrance, a hand-carved travertine console introduces a textured focal point against the smooth flooring. This horizontal element preserves visual openness toward the double-height space and the garden beyond. Linen curtains soften the exposed concrete surfaces and regulate daylight. The staircase, defined by a glass railing, allows the concrete wall to remain visually dominant while large suspended luminaires emphasize the vertical dimension of the void.
On the upper level, the atmosphere shifts toward a softer, more textile-driven environment. The master bedroom features a full-width gray linen headboard and a curved bouclé bench that introduces subtle sculptural form. Wooden flooring moderates the strength of the concrete structure, creating a warm and comfortable environment. Bathrooms continue the same design language through clear mineral surfaces, abundant natural light, sculptural sinks, and freestanding bathtubs that encourage a slower rhythm of use.
Outdoor spaces extend the life of the house into the garden. Lounge areas replicate the material palette of the interior, ensuring continuity between inside and outside. A curved wooden bench organizes circulation on the terrace while remaining visible from interior rooms. Cantilevered beams and a suspended fireplace maintain open views across the landscape. Integrated lighting, sound systems, and home automation provide comfort and security while remaining discreet within the architectural framework.
Casa Maui demonstrates Melazza Mobili’s approach to design as a collaborative process grounded in context and craftsmanship. Through the combined work of Florencia Melazza, Malena Taboada, and LAK Arquitectura, the residence achieves a careful balance between architecture and interior design. The result offers a home where materials, proportions, and light contribute equally to a living environment defined by calm, clarity, and enduring comfort.
