Argentinan firm BAK arquitectos, have once again retreated to the idyllic forests of mar azul, a summer escape from metropolitan buenos aires. the firm's series of summer homes in the area, characterized by exposed concrete and uninterrupted glazing, have become a quiet presence in the landscape. the architecture seeks to bring the richness of the earth into the habitable space. 'casa franz' continues this idea of 'domesticating' the forest, while becoming a new exercise in subtractive architectonics. reinforced concrete takes on a visual lightness when long lines of glazing separate the slate-colored planes, the site is embraced by the stark orthogonal decking when it wraps around the trees and the split level affords long uninterrupted lines of sight into the woods. the space is dominated by social and gathering areas since the program called for an abundance of family space for the couple and their grown children. helped by an impressive-looking double height ceiling, the small footprint stands to preserve the existing trees on the site while maximizing the presence of natural light. the high window on the stairwell thus becomes an opportunity to feel the presence of the landscape and diffuse daylight to the ground floor. these formal decisions make the relaxed summer home feel unassuming while still powerfully tied to the landscape.