Alsina House Refurbishment by Estudio YME

Reimagining a Historic Dwelling for Modern Family Living

Located in the low-density neighborhood of San Isidro, Argentina, the Alsina House Refurbishment by Estudio YME is a thoughtful architectural intervention that blends historic preservation with contemporary living. Part of a row of eight houses forming a mid-block passageway between Alsina and Laprida streets, the residence sits within a context marked by architectural longevity and neighborhood cohesion.

The clients—a professional couple with two children—sought a complete transformation of their aging condominium house. The primary goal: to create a functional, light-filled family home that balances home office flexibility with the needs of a growing household.

Design Strategy: Light, Structure, and Identity

Upon acquisition, the original house featured a series of enclosed, dark rooms, deteriorated structure, and outdated finishes. Estudio YME’s design approach prioritized:

• Restoration of natural light
• Enhanced spatial flow and openness
• Selective preservation of identity-rich elements
• Introduction of new materials that dialogue with the old

A detailed structural assessment allowed the removal of non-essential partitions, opening the interior to light and air. Simultaneously, the team carefully identified architectural components that spoke to the home’s original character—reviving them as anchors of memory within the modern renovation.

The result is a hybrid language of past and present: established materials stand in harmony with contemporary finishes, creating a cohesive and tactile domestic environment.

Spatial Organization: Vertical Zoning for Flexibility

The house is distributed across three distinct levels, each tailored to specific modes of living:

• Ground Floor: Social heart of the home with a connected living room, dining area, and kitchen that opens onto a small patio—emphasizing indoor-outdoor living.
• Second Floor: Private family zone housing two main bedrooms and a shared bathroom.
• Third Floor: Flexible space comprising a bedroom/studio with an en-suite bathroom and laundry room, seamlessly integrated with the rooftop terrace—ideal for remote work or guest accommodation.

This vertical zoning strategy ensures the functional independence of spaces, making room for simultaneous activities without spatial interference.

Contemporary Coexistence with Architectural Memory

Through this sensitive renovation, Alsina House exemplifies how period architecture can adapt to contemporary lifestyles without erasing its historical footprint. Estudio YME’s approach invites reflection on the dialogue between old and new, honoring the essence of the existing while boldly inserting elements of renewal.

By integrating natural light, open-plan concepts, and modern utilities, the project successfully repositions a traditional Argentine dwelling into a sustainable, future-ready family home.

All Photographs are works of Bruto Studio