Located on a site with a complicated history these apartments in Buenos Aires are crowned with a rooftop swimming pool and traditional Argentine ‘Parilla’ BBQ. 

After scrapping the 1976 plan of urban freeways, many plots of land in Buenos Aires were abandoned. With the passing of a new law in 2009 these forgotten and degraded spaces were reinvigorated. One of these spaces is the Park District Donado Holmberg in Villa Urquiza, where Estudio Abramzon were charged with creating an apartment building for new residents. 

The unique L-shaped block allowed each apartment a view to the newly created park in between the street and the building, as well as access to plenty of natural light. The new linear park runs consistently through the new development providing green, open spaces throughout.

How was the site unique?

The unexpected urban void allowed the architects to experiment and rethink the conventional apartment architecture usually dictated by narrow, deep blocks. Large tracts of land are not common in the dense city of Buenos Aires. As this building is one part of a larger master plan Estudio Abramzon focused on designing a building that would be one element of the overall chain, rather than being an icon in itself.

How was the built form decided?

The project is at the end of a new urban linear park, and immediately adjacent to an existing building. The form wraps around to create a bookend for the park, helping to define the new space. The building steps down in height towards the park to create a more intimate relationship.

How does the building treat public and private spaces?

The parkside location offers great views for the apartments. It was decided to include a basement and raise the ground floor slightly. This allows the ground floor commercial spaces to maintain a connection to the park, while giving more privacy to the apartments above.

How was the lighting and ventilation controlled?

The size and shape of the balconies have been carefully considered to allow maximum light into the apartments, while still protecting from the summer sun. The three strategically located courtyards allow breeze and cross ventilation in the apartments.

What amenities are given to residents?

Within the building, the shared spaces have a distinctly residential feel. The expansive shared lobby spaces, and rooftop terrace introduce warm timber furniture and have a natural earthy palette.

Crowning the building is a rooftop swimming pool with sundeck, a BBQ area and plenty of communal seating.