Located in the bustling city of Buenos Aires, nestled amidst a myriad of architectural marvels, stands a historic “chorizo” house, a quintessential representation of the city’s rich cultural heritage. Defined by its elongated layout and a sequence of meticulously aligned rooms adorned along a side patio, this pre-existing structure embodies the essence of Buenos Aires’ architectural legacy.
In an ambitious endeavor to honor the house’s traditional charm while infusing it with a contemporary spirit, a transformative intervention took place, orchestrated by a team of visionary architects. The primary objective was to introduce a harmonious blend of natural light, fresh air, and dynamic spatial nuances without disrupting the intrinsic character of the space.
This intricate balance was meticulously achieved through the creation of two new enchanting courtyards within the existing mass, each meticulously designed to seamlessly integrate with the existing structure while bestowing a renewed sense of vitality upon the dwelling.
The larger of the two new courtyards, situated alongside the original side courtyard, basks in the gentle embrace of the radiant Argentine sun, infusing the surrounding interior spaces with a warm, golden glow. Meanwhile, the two new additions, each possessing its own distinct charm, contribute to the overall architectural narrative of the dwelling.
The first of the two new courtyards, evocative of a double-height room, was meticulously crafted with the removal of its roof, allowing an unobstructed influx of natural light, which playfully dances upon the exposed surfaces, casting mesmerizing shadows that shift and evolve with the passage of the day. The second courtyard, relatively smaller in size, is ensconced within a delicate glass enclosure, encapsulating the staircase that gracefully ascends to the dwelling’s first floor. This glass enclosure not only serves as a functional passage but also acts as a captivating visual focal point, seamlessly connecting the various levels of the house in a delicate embrace of transparency and light.
A defining feature of these captivating new spaces lies in the deliberate choice of materials, designed to accentuate the distinctive character of the courtyards while establishing a visual harmony with the existing structure. The carefully curated selection of exposed brickwork forms the cornerstone of the design philosophy, enshrining the courtyard’s essence in a rich tapestry of texture and depth.
The exposed brick surfaces appear as a palimpsest, a poetic assemblage of historical layers intermingling with contemporary nuances, invoking an aura of an architectural excavation frozen in time. These intriguing layers of exposed brick, at times converging with the original masonry of the pre-existing structure, weave a narrative of harmony and continuity, where the echoes of the past resonate harmoniously with the innovation of the present, culminating in a captivating union of the old and the new.
Through this meticulous fusion of design elements and a nuanced understanding of the architectural heritage, the intervention breathes new life into the timeless “chorizo” house, enhancing its spatial dynamics while preserving its cherished legacy.
The interplay of light and shadow, the delicate balance of material textures, and the seamless integration of contemporary interventions within a historically significant framework serve as a testament to the architects’ unwavering dedication to preserving the essence of Buenos Aires’ architectural heritage, while simultaneously ushering it into a vibrant and dynamic new era. The resulting synthesis of old-world charm and modern innovation stands as a testament to the timeless allure of Buenos Aires’ architectural legacy, encapsulated within the transformed walls of this historic “chorizo” house.
Photos by Francisco Nocito.