Situated in the neighbourhood of Núñez, Buenos Aires, Argentina, this boutique apartment building contrasts it’s suburban context with an operable timber facade. The deep but narrow lot, only 8.6m wide by 32m deep, is divided into two four-storey apartment blocks with a central open vertical circulation core.
The ground floor is kept open and is dedicated to providing amenities to the residents. It contains the swimming pool, entry lobby, multi-purpose communal entertaining space, the traditional Argentine ‘Parilla’ BBQ, garden and car parking.
Eight apartments complete the development, each containing large open plan living spaces, one bedroom and large private balconies. The apartments are located close to the local train station as well as Avenue Del Libertador.
The two top floor apartments have their own private roof terraces which provide spectacular views over the neighbourhood and to the tall mature trees that punctuate the streets of Buenos Aires.
What informed the architectural form?
Providing amenity for residents drove the architectural response. Natural light and the opportunity to cross-ventilate each apartment required splitting the development into two blocks. The central core was kept open and contains the elevator and stairs. The ground plane was kept open for the communal facilities.
Each volume contains three levels of apartments and is capped by a large roof terrace with a room available to residents to use for parties and events.
Carefully selected materials inside each apartment amplify the natural light and outlook. The large environments are integrated through the continuity of the concrete ceiling planes and the large glazed surfaces, making the most of the light and cross ventilation. Each apartment is approximately 50m2 and each has a large, private balcony with a unique outlook.
What informed the materiality and facades?
The architects wanted to create a building that had a dialogue with the street. The principal facades are divided into a modular pattern of horizontal timber slats sitting within metal frames. These operable facades can be adjusted by the residents and provides a dynamic interface with the street. Timbre was chosen to soften the facade and introduce a contemporary adaptation of a facade material not commonly found in Buenos Aires.
Deep, private balconies sit behind the facade. Residents have the ability to adjust the levels of privacy in their apartments and balconies by opening or closing the screens. Pre moulded custom designed steel stairs and balustrade details define the central circulation core. Each apartment volume has been constructed using reinforced concrete floors and masonry walls to provide superior thermal comfort.
