The project consists of the renovation of an urban house built between 1930 and 1940, located in the neighborhood of Colegiales, in the city of Buenos Aires. After being abandoned for more than 15 years, the house was in a precarious and uninhabitable state, affected by structural problems and damage caused by humidity, abrasion of calcareous aggregates and the presence of insects. The main challenge of the commission was to transform this multi-family house and mechanical workshop into a modern single-family dwelling, while maintaining a balance between its historical value and current needs.
The architectural proposal reorganizes the spaces to meet the demands of a couple with two children. The first floor houses the access areas and common spaces, including the living-dining room and kitchen, while the second floor houses the master bedroom with dressing room and en-suite bathroom, as well as a divisible bedroom for children. On the second floor, a barbecue area, a study and a playroom are planned as part of an extension of the existing structure.
One of the fundamental aspects of the project was the integration of solutions that comply with current urban regulations in terms of lighting and ventilation. To this end, two courtyards were designed: a central and existing one, 3 meters wide, and a rear one, 4 meters wide. Both courtyards allow the main areas to receive adequate lighting and ventilation, while acting as programmatic bellows between the different spaces of the house. They also function as expansion zones and offer different alternative uses for the family, from a play area to a space for outdoor relaxation.
The focus of the commission was on precision and detail. A careful study was made on the layout of the openings and apertures, enabling the maximization of the views to the surrounding courtyards and urban landscapes without sacrificing privacy and interior comfort. The choice of materials reinforces this concept: the micro-perforated sheet metal shutters filter direct sunlight, while the small-section window frames integrate the courtyards, creating a fluid connection between the interior and exterior.
Team:
Architects: BAS + Oszurkiewicz + Carracedo
Lead Architects: Alejandro Bokser Amado (BAS), Florencia Oszurkiewicz y Pablo Carracedo
Collaborators: Luis Leoni, Nicolás López, Julia Chiesa, María Bochoeyer.
Interior Design: Atelier Brüx
Lighting Design: Arturo Peruzzotti
Photo Credits: Fernando Schapochnik
