Three Uruguayan Studios Build Small Houses Under 60 m² for Rural and Coastal Sites

Across Uruguay, rural and coastal areas are being transformed by residential projects measuring 60 m² or smaller, spanning from Villa Serrana's hills to the Atlantic coast's maritime forests. Three architectural studios in these regions utilize engineered timber framing, steel structural elements, exterior wood cladding, and offsite fabrication to achieve a blend of durability, thermal efficiency, and ease of transport. The lightweight nature of materials is crucial due to often unpaved access roads, while prefabricated components facilitate assembly in areas with limited utility infrastructure. To ensure comfort in these compact designs, three key strategies are employed: elevated foundations, centralized service cores, and off-site fabrication. The Chajá House by TATÚ Arquitectura, captured by Marcos Guiponi, is featured in this collection. The article was penned by Moises Carrasco and published on October 22, 2026.