Mendoza Apartment Renovation by noma estudio: A Modern Revival of Spatial Fluidity in Buenos Aires

In the heart of the Belgrano neighborhood in Buenos Aires, noma estudio has reimagined a 160-square-meter apartment for a young couple seeking functional, open, and luminous living spaces. The Mendoza Apartment Renovation showcases a refined balance between architectural intervention and interior design, addressing both structural challenges and personal lifestyle needs.

Transforming a Fragmented Layout into a Seamless Flow

Originally characterized by a segmented and outdated layout, the apartment lacked the flexibility and openness that contemporary living demands. noma estudio responded by strategically demolishing barriers—both physical and perceptual. The primary objective was to integrate the kitchen, laundry area, and former service room into a singular, expansive hub. This newly unified kitchen now serves as the social heart of the home, designed for gathering, cooking, and connecting.

One of the most notable interventions is the custom-designed library wall that links the kitchen to the dining area. Rather than a simple transitional passage, this element becomes a semi-transparent threshold—functional, spatially connective, and emotionally warm.

Crafting a Contemporary Master Suite

The design team also tackled the need for a more intimate private area by merging two smaller bedrooms into a generous master suite. A custom wood-clad partition wall elegantly conceals an ensuite bathroom and walk-in wardrobe, creating both privacy and architectural depth. This wood volume functions as a divider without compromising openness, showcasing noma estudio’s attention to texture and tactility.

Disguising Imperfections, Highlighting Intentionality

Renovating an older apartment presented several technical hurdles, including uneven flooring, intrusive columns, and outdated installations. Instead of ignoring these constraints, the architects used fixed furniture elements—such as closets, built-ins, and shelving—to mask irregularities and shape coherent spatial lines. These interventions bring both utility and clarity to the interiors.

Consistency in Materials and Palette

A consistent material palette was employed to establish visual harmony throughout the home. Natural wood, soft gray, and crisp white tones dominate, offering a neutral canvas that enhances light and lends a sense of continuity across the apartment. These timeless materials allow the residents to personalize their space with their own furnishings and objects, encouraging a dialogue between architectural structure and lived-in identity.

Phased Execution and Design Precision

Executed in two distinct phases, the project began with the structural and spatial renovation. Later, as the transformation neared completion, the clients entrusted noma estudio with the interior design, ensuring that the architectural narrative flowed seamlessly into the final details. This phased approach allowed for adaptability, while maintaining a strong design vision throughout.