Pasco House Renovation by Valeria Mecchia + Nicolás Gonzalez

Restoring the Past, Designing for the Present

The Pasco House Renovation by Valeria Mecchia and Nicolás Gonzalez is a thoughtful adaptive reuse project in the heart of Rosario, Argentina, where a forgotten structure is revived into a luminous, layered residential studio. Initially discovered as a neglected brick enclosure with no known history, the property consisted only of four walls, a vaulted roof, and three generous street-facing openings — suggesting a former life as a neighborhood warehouse or storefront.

Spatial Transformation Through Light and Structure

With no outdoor space, internal partitions, or defined program, the architects were challenged to design a rental studio for one or two people while intervening minimally in the robust existing shell. The solution was to work with the original height and spatial clarity, introducing new levels like large interior shelves — mezzanines that float above the main floor, creating pockets of use while preserving openness.

By lowering the floor level slightly, they maximized verticality, allowing the mezzanines to function without compromising headroom or light. These new additions—delicate in material and visually transparent—create a subtle tension between permanence and ephemerality, giving the impression they could be dismantled without disturbing the core architecture.

A Dialogue Between Old and New

One of the most powerful aspects of the renovation lies in its restoration of the original façade, which had suffered from vandalism and time. The team collaborated with a specialist restoration firm to preserve its authentic character. Instead of concealing age and imperfection, they embraced it—leaving many existing textures and flaws exposed, only treating surfaces for protection. Materials such as wood, glass, iron, and metal sheets were added to contrast and highlight the layering of historical and contemporary timelines.

Intimacy, Openness, and Connection

The ground floor was designed as a versatile open-plan zone for socializing, cooking, and working, while the upper mezzanines—accessed via a custom bridge—invite quietude and privacy. A compact laundry pavilion on the rooftop echoes the silhouette of local church roofs, offering a symbolic connection to neighborhood identity.

Throughout the house, visual transparency and natural light are the guiding principles. Even with doors closed, one space reveals glimpses of another; light flows through openings, creating a continuous sense of connection. This interplay reinforces the design’s central theme: a renovation that respects history, celebrates material honesty, and prioritizes spatial adaptability.

All Photographs are works of Ana Delgado