Architecture Classic: Terraces of Manantiales / MSGSSV

Designed in the late 70s by MSGSSV, the Terraces of Manantiales (Terrazas de Manantiales) is a summer house complex by the Atlantic Ocean built in Punta del Este, Uruguay.

Architecture Classic: Terraces of Manantiales / MSGSSV - Exterior Photography, Arch
Cortesía de MSGSSV

The architecture firm led by Flora Manteola, Javier Sánchez Gómez, Josefina Santos, Justo Solsona, and Rafael Viñoly designed 92 summer homes on an 8,000-square-meter plot (86,111 square feet) creating a small town by the ocean.

Architecture Classic: Terraces of Manantiales / MSGSSV - Brick
Cortesía de MSGSSV

Official description:

It is a group of ninety-two summer houses organized as a small town facing the sea.

Architecture Classic: Terraces of Manantiales / MSGSSV - Exterior Photography, Arch
Cortesía de MSGSSV

It presents a unique building with the surprising spatial features of a Mediterranean Sea town and the rigorous design methodology of contemporary architecture.

Architecture Classic: Terraces of Manantiales / MSGSSV - Interior Photography, Facade
Cortesía de MSGSSV

The resulting volumetry respects the natural slope of the land, and is perceived as a compact and stepped mass towards the beach. The stepped orientation generates terraces and allows to explore the most suitable views and orientations.

Architecture Classic: Terraces of Manantiales / MSGSSV - Exterior Photography
Cortesía de MSGSSV

The tangled articulations of the residential complex achieve their unity through the use of the same materials: exposed brick, with terracotta and brown-toned plasters on some specific surfaces.

Architecture Classic: Terraces of Manantiales / MSGSSV - Exterior Photography
Cortesía de MSGSSV
Architecture Classic: Terraces of Manantiales / MSGSSV - Exterior Photography, Brick, Facade
Cortesía de MSGSSV

The summer houses are connected by a system of vaulted streets that go down towards the shore. A transversal circulation—with covered sectors and others uncovered—serves as access to some houses and goes through small squares protected from the winds, where shops and services are located.

Architecture Classic: Terraces of Manantiales / MSGSSV - Interior Photography, Brick
Cortesía de MSGSSV
Architecture Classic: Terraces of Manantiales / MSGSSV - Exterior Photography, Brick, Facade
Cortesía de MSGSSV

The parking lots are arranged below the summer houses, which are located on a higher level of the plot.

Architecture Classic: Terraces of Manantiales / MSGSSV - Image 18 of 21
Planta Techos. Image Cortesía de MSGSSV

In 2015, this project was part of the Latin America in Construction: Architecture 1955–1980 exhibition. Currently, the model, photographs, and some original plans are archived at the MoMA.

Architecture Classic: Terraces of Manantiales / MSGSSV - Facade
Detalle. Image Cortesía de MSGSSV

Details

Architects: MSGSSV
Location: Punta del Este, Uruguay
Site area: 8,000 m2
Built area: 12,000 m2
Project: 1977-1978
Completion: 1981

Project gallery

See allShow less

Project location

Address:20002 La Barra, Departamento de Maldonado, Uruguay

Click to open map
Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: Dejtiar, Fabian. "Architecture Classic: Terraces of Manantiales / MSGSSV" [Clásicos de Arquitectura: Terrazas de Manantiales / MSGSSV] 28 Apr 2021. ArchDaily. (Trans. Valencia, Nicolás) Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/960536/architecture-classic-terraces-of-manantiales-msgssv> ISSN 0719-8884

Cortesía de MSGSSV

AD经典:Manantiales露台别墅群 / MSGSSV

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.