MASTERPLAN, DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE: MARIO CONNIO

When we thought about a designer to create the concept for Pinar del Faro, we looked for a professional who knew Punta del Este and its way of life. Somebody who, at the same time, brought a breath of fresh air with ingenious ideas, such as those that changed Punta del Este during the 40's and 50's, when San Rafael developed a style with yards, rounded corners, and a common criteria among houses in the same block.

We, ourselves, visited the houses Mario built from Piriápolis to La Pedrera: around 30 houses along the seacoast, where each member of the family has his own space along with a common area. We loved this concept of independence, those never-ending galleries covered with bamboo, that filter the light from the outside into the inside, the patios, the custom-designed water fountains, all of a craftsman work. Mario's first thoughts for Pinar were to create a place in which people could feel as if they were in a small town. Hence, three squares, in which Buthia palm trees were planted, were designed, following the line of José Ignacio, Maldonado and San Carlos' squares, as well as a tennis club, meant to be the meeting point for children and adults; and a swimming pool with a bar for those who do not want to move very much.

In order to make everyday life easier, there will also be a lobby, designed as a hotel lobby or reception, where owners can leave packages or keys, and pay bills, among other things. This lobby will be in permanent communication with the main entrance and with the access gate to the beach, so messages or notes to the gardener, friends or builder may be addressed.



In a second stage, after the concept was outlined, Mario submerged in the details that would make Pinar a different and quality place. The streets, that according to law could be 12 mts wide, were made of 17 mts. The decision was made that they should be 1.5 mts beneath the level of the lots, to give more privacy to the houses. All the sand taken for this was used in the lower parts off Pinar and in the parks. It was also decided, even though the costs would be higher, that all the services should be underground, primarily installing electrical and phone lines, and laying the hardware for future installations, such as High Speed Internet Access, Video, and security, so preventing future works.

At a third stage, Mario detailed the architectural line he wanted for the project - you can find this at Pinar building code - so as to maintain coherence as it happens in the small towns in the south of Spain. At the same time, Pinar got from him three exclusive house models of 150, 205 and 250 square meters, all of them two floor houses. The owners can still have their dream house following the directives outlined in the Building Code.

Pinar will have a main entrance for cars, and a direct beach access, which will be only available by foot or bicycle. In both of them the access will be controlled by security personnel.