Urban Home Renovation in Buenos Aires: Redefining Living Spaces at Boris House

In bustling city environments like Buenos Aires, the transformation of residential spaces reflects broader urban living trends. The renovation of Boris House by Dodds Estudio exemplifies how architects are rethinking traditional urban homes to meet contemporary needs and aesthetic preferences.

Overview of Boris House Project

Historical Context and Architectural Significance

Boris House is located in a classic residential area of Buenos Aires, known for its distinctive housing units sharing the same land with shared access and internal patios. This typical layout offers unique challenges and opportunities for architects aiming to modernize while retaining the essence of the original structures.

Goals and Vision for the Renovation

The primary goal for Boris House was to create a more versatile and open living environment that integrates social areas with natural elements like light and air, enhancing the quality of urban living through thoughtful architectural redesign.

Key Architectural Innovations at Boris House

Structural Redesign and Integration

Removing Barriers

The renovation began with the demolition of walls separating the social areas from the central patio, which was a critical move to transform the space into a cohesive environment. This allowed for a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor areas, blurring the lines of traditional compartmentalization.

New Structural Supports

To accommodate the open layout, new structural elements were introduced to redistribute loads that the removed walls previously supported. This structural innovation ensured the building's integrity while allowing for a more open spatial configuration.

Material and Design Choices

Custom Wooden Structures

A standout feature in the renovation is the custom-designed curved wooden structure that delineates service areas from social spaces. This not only adds a functional separation but also introduces warmth and architectural character to the interiors.

Natural Light Maximization

The replacement of the old patio roof with an aluminum and frosted glass structure, equipped with a tensioning system to open upwards, revolutionizes the lighting and ventilation of the space. This design choice is particularly effective in urban settings where light is often limited by surrounding structures.

Enhancing Interior Spaces with Color and Material

Choice of Materials

The selection of light granite flooring throughout the social areas and warm wood tones in the kitchen and private spaces enhances the visual and tactile experience, making the house feel more spacious and cohesive.

Color Palette

The use of light and luminous colors helps to highlight elements of the house's historical architecture, such as the restored wooden openings and brick vaulted ceilings, creating a dialogue between the old and the new.

Impact and Significance of Urban Home Renovation

Boris House stands as a beacon of how urban home renovation in Buenos Aires can preserve historical integrity while adapting to modern living standards. By redefining the use of space and integrating natural elements, Dodds Estudio has created a model that could inspire future renovations in urban landscapes around the world.

All photographs are work of Federico Cairoli