Brutal Honesty
We are always searching for projects that embody a deeper relationship between architecture, landscape and the way people inhabit space. In this edition of the Journal, we are pleased to present a remarkable collaboration with OF. Studio, a London-based architectural practice whose work explores the dialogue between art, architecture and human perception.
Founded in 2017 by Argentine architects Valentina Cerrone and Sebastián Andia, OF. Studio operates internationally from London while maintaining a strong connection to their origins in Mendoza, Argentina. Both architects graduated with honors from the Universidad de Mendoza before continuing their academic path in London at the prestigious Architectural Association, where they completed the MArch II at the Design Research Laboratory (DRL).
Their work is defined by an experimental and interdisciplinary approach, where technology, society and culture intersect to shape architectural responses that resonate both locally and globally.
One of the studio’s most compelling projects, Brutal Honesty, stands in the foothills of the Andes in Pedemonte, Mendoza , a territory where desert landscapes meet dramatic mountain ranges.
A House Emerging From the Terrain
Rather than imposing itself on the landscape, the house appears to grow from it. A series of earth-toned retaining walls rise from the hillside like abstract rock formations, shaping three terraces that organise both the structure and the internal spatial experience. These walls not only define the architecture but also mirror the natural contours of the terrain, creating a strong sense of continuity between the built environment and the surrounding landscape.
Above this grounded composition floats a distinctive horizontal concrete plane , a grey plateau, opening the house to sweeping 360-degree views across the Andean desert and the oasis below. The architecture becomes almost tectonic, as if the mountain itself had been gently extended to create a space for living.
Living Between Earthand Sky
The spatial organisation of the house follows a vertical sequence of experiences:
inside the earth, between the earth, and above the earth.
The lower level, partially embedded in the terrain, creates a sense of protection and intimacy. The ground floor acts as a transitional layer where daily life unfolds, while the upper level opens the house outward to the landscape and sky.
At the centre of the home sits the kitchen, the social heart of the house, surrounded by communal spaces that encourage gathering and interaction. Three staircases connect the levels, offering alternative routes and constantly shifting spatial perspectives.
Terraces as Extensions of Life
Outdoor living is fundamental to the project. Four terraces extend the house into the surrounding landscape, each designed for a different rhythm of life.
The main terrace continues the living and dining areas outward, creating a seamless relationship between interior and exterior spaces. Nearby, a generous BBQ area invites larger gatherings and celebrations. A third terrace, connected to the playroom, offers a semi-independent space dedicated to children.
Above everything, the rooftop plateau becomes a contemplative landscape in itself, with areas for yoga, a fireplace, a jacuzzi and gardens — a place designed for pause, reflection and quiet connection with the mountains.
Material Honesty
Concrete plays a central role in the project’s identity. Its earthy tone was carefully developed through on-site experimentation with local builders, ensuring that the final material palette resonates with the colors of the surrounding land. The result is a structure that feels deeply rooted in its environment, both visually and symbolically.
The architects describe this approach as “Abstract Nature”, a way of translating the essence of the landscape into architectural form.
Designing With the Landscape
The site presented a unique challenge: balancing solar orientation with the most powerful views. In the Southern Hemisphere, northern exposure provides the best natural light, while the most dramatic vistas unfold toward the south. The design negotiates these conditions while integrating seamlessly with the existing slope and native vegetation. Remarkably, not a single tree was removed during construction.
Sustainability also plays a key role in the project. Passive design strategies such as thermal insulation, natural ventilation and shading reduce energy demand, while solar panels, solar heating systems and a greywater recycling system further improve the house’s environmental performance.
A Sincere Dialogue With Nature
For the clients, the vision was clear: a home that encourages connection and shared experiences while preserving moments of privacy. Views, vegetation and the feeling of living with the land, rather than simply on it, were essential elements of the brief.
In the end, Brutal Honesty becomes more than a house. It is an architectural extension of the mountain itself, a space that neither hides nor exaggerates its presence, but exists in an open and sincere dialogue with its surroundings.
