Mat Apartment is a minimal apartment located in Punta del Este, Uruguay, designed by Francesc Rifé Studio in collaboration with Maria José Delgado. In tune with the serenity of the surroundings, this new dwelling has been conceived with an eye on the exterior. Focusing on what we see and how we see it has been the starting point for a design that mainly seeks to frame the landscape as if it were paintings. In this sense, the few materials used throughout the project act as a conduit to focus attention on the ocean views and the sand dunes that outline the coast. On the first floor is the double-height living room, where a natural oak structure visually divides the large windows with access to the terrace. This wood configuration is linked to the 8-centimeter slat cladding that mainly surrounds the rest of the house. A studio’s signature application that avoids highlighting the accesses and makes doors almost imperceptible.

The U-shaped terrace includes a variety of independent spaces for meetings with friends, barbecue, playground and swimming pool. Due to its practicality, the black enameled Bakelite defines the part of the outdoor kitchen that is completed with a bar in black Zimbabwean granite. A wooden pergola has been installed over this area that controls daylight and generates a pleasant shadow. The staircase that connects the two levels appeals to the warm and orderly spirit of the interior. A simple combination of geometric planes builds the metal railing and the same light wood used in the project harmonizes the steps. The ground floor is given over to the most intimate rooms: four bedrooms, a kitchen and a dining room next to a multipurpose area. The linear sobriety of these spaces is encouraged by the presence of important pieces of furniture from B&B Italia, De Padova, Molteni and Poliform. Distributed always with the views in mind, which, thanks to the use of a large glass lattice, can also be enjoyed from the hallway.

Photography by Javier Márquez

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