![Psychologist's office Uruguay](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2021/09/psychologist-office-pedro-livni-rafael-solano-hero-852x480.jpg)
Psychologist's office and tranquil garden hidden behind concrete wall in Uruguay
Architects Pedro Livni and Rafael Solano have created a psychologist's office behind a tall concrete wall in Ciudad de la Costa, Uruguay.
Located within the garden of an existing property, the low-slung structure encompasses 35 square metres and is hidden by a wall that runs its full width.
![The project is in Uruguay](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2021/09/psychologists-office-pedro-livni-rafael-solano-uruguay_dezeen_2364_col_14-852x852.jpg)
Only a door and a circular aperture, which was informed by the work of American artist Gordon Matta-Clark – who was known for cutting holes in existing buildings, breaking through the concrete wall.
While the door leads into the psychologist's office, the circle connects the larger garden with a small private courtyard space.
![Oedro Livni and Rafael Solano designed the project](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2021/09/psychologists-office-pedro-livni-rafael-solano-uruguay_dezeen_2364_col_6-852x1066.jpg)
"Located at the back of a parcel, a wall is built that hides the room and defines a garden inside another garden," explained Livni and Solano.
"Thinking of Matta-Clark, a big hole breaks through the wall and connects both gardens."
![Psychologist's office Uruguay](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2021/09/psychologists-office-pedro-livni-rafael-solano-uruguay_dezeen_2364_col_4-852x568.jpg)
The main facade is defined by an oversized sculptural gutter, which cantilevers over the entrance and directs rainwater from the roof onto a boulder that was placed beside the front door.
Patients enter below this overhang office into a small waiting area, which adjoins a kitchenette and restroom.
The psychologist's office itself occupies roughly half of the small building and has a row of windows that look out onto the enclosed courtyard space.
![Psychologist's office Uruguay](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2021/09/psychologists-office-pedro-livni-rafael-solano-uruguay_dezeen_2364_col_5-852x1279.jpg)
The office is clad Eucalyptus-panelling, chosen by the architects as an economical choice that matched the owner's budget.
A doorway connects the space directly to the garden allowing patients and the doctor to use the outdoor space during their sessions.
There is a young tree planted in the middle of the garden, which echoes the circular opening of the main wall, and a simple bench running along the facade, beneath the windows.
![Architects Livni and Solano designed a tranquil interior space](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2021/09/psychologists-office-pedro-livni-rafael-solano-uruguay_dezeen_2364_col_10-852x1278.jpg)
The exterior was finished with cementitious fibre panels, which was also chosen as a budget-friendly decision.
These long, thin panels were laid horizontally to accentuate the building's low profile.
Ciudad de la Costa is a mid-sized city in Uruguay that is considered part of the metropolitan area of Montevideo, the capital.
Other projects in the South American country include a parking garage topped with a verdant terrace and a beach house on stilts that is clad in blackened timber by FRAM Arquitectos and Delfina Riverti.
The photography is by Marcos Guiponi.