Arguello House Renovation by Plano Compartido: A Sensitive Transformation of a Brick Heritage Home

In the heart of Córdoba, Argentina, Plano Compartido has masterfully completed the renovation of the Arguello House, a 240-square-meter residence originally built in brick — a treasured inheritance from a grandmother to Franco and Luz. This thoughtful architectural intervention, completed in 2023, preserves the spirit of the original home while infusing it with fresh spatial qualities, abundant natural light, and renewed vitality.

Preserving the Essence of a Brick House

The original house, noble and fresh with its solid brick construction, served as the foundation for a renovation approach that was both respectful and inventive. Instead of erasing the past, Plano Compartido chose to enhance and revalue the existing structure, making selective demolitions to open the interiors to light and nature. Walls were removed strategically, creating fluid connections between spaces and allowing natural light to flood deep into the heart of the home.

The Art of Craftsmanship: Brickwork and Metalwork

Craftsmanship plays a central role in the Arguello House renovation. Local artisans meticulously placed new bricks, seamlessly blending old and new, preserving the tactile authenticity of the material. Meanwhile, expert blacksmiths crafted and installed heavy metal profiles that now support a newly conceived lightweight gallery. This gallery extends eastward, offering a generous opening that visually and physically connects the interior with a small, lush patio, reinforcing the dialogue between indoors and outdoors.

A Philosophy of Sensitive Renovation

For Plano Compartido, the act of renovating existing spaces goes beyond mere physical transformation — it is a commitment to revaluing and enhancing what already exists. Their approach discards the simplistic notion of demolition and reconstruction. Instead, it embraces the challenge of uncovering hidden potential within the original fabric of the house, giving it a second life filled with renewed purpose and meaning.

This mindset is evident throughout the project — from the careful preservation of structural elements to the subtle spatial interventions that respect the home's memory while updating it for contemporary living.

Arguello House: A Dialogue Between Past and Present

Through a sensitive and deliberate renovation process, the Arguello House becomes a place where the past and present coexist harmoniously. It stands as a testament to the power of architecture to preserve cultural heritage while adapting to the needs and aspirations of new generations.

The work of Plano Compartido reminds us that renovation is not just an architectural act; it is also a social and emotional endeavor, connecting people with their history while offering them spaces of beauty, comfort, and belonging.

All Photographs are works of Juan Cruz Paredes, Lucas Lipcen