Casa Aguas Buenas by Ignacio Szulman Arquitecto: A Contemporary Revival of Buenos Aires' Architectural Heritage

A Harmonious Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Architects: Ignacio Szulman Arquitecto

Area: 180 m²

Year of Completion: 2022

Photography: Francisco Nocito

Key Manufacturers: Matyser, Mosaicos Rossi

Lead Architects: Ignacio Szulman, Valentín Pedroza

Casa Aguas Buenas is an exquisite architectural intervention that breathes new life into a traditional "chorizo" house—one of Buenos Aires' most iconic residential typologies. This renovation skillfully preserves the historical essence of the structure while introducing contemporary elements that enhance spatial fluidity, natural light, and ventilation.

Preserving the "Chorizo" House Legacy

The "chorizo" house, a hallmark of Buenos Aires' architectural heritage, is characterized by a linear sequence of rooms connected by a side patio. True to its origins, Casa Aguas Buenas retains this essential layout while incorporating thoughtful modifications that enrich its functionality and aesthetic appeal.

The intervention focused on integrating two additional courtyards within the existing structure. These newly introduced voids allow for an improved interplay of air and light without disrupting the rhythmic alignment of rooms. The original, larger courtyard remains intact, maximizing sunlight exposure, while the new courtyards serve unique purposes:

• A Double-Height Open Space: This courtyard transforms an existing interior room by removing its roof, creating an airy, semi-outdoor environment that fosters a stronger connection to nature.
• A Glass-Enclosed Patio: This smaller courtyard accommodates a staircase leading to the first floor, seamlessly integrating vertical circulation while maintaining transparency and openness.

Materiality: A Dialogue Between Past and Present

To highlight the contemporary interventions, the new courtyard walls are constructed using exposed brick, visually differentiating them from the existing structure. These surfaces create layered textures reminiscent of an archaeological excavation, where the old and new bricks intertwine to form a cohesive architectural narrative.