Ph Japón by CDC ARQ – A Vertical Living Loft in Buenos Aires

Ph Japón, designed by CDC ARQ, is a striking renovation project in Buenos Aires, Argentina, completed in 2021. With a compact area of just 65 m², this home demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform a small space into a highly functional, modern, and aesthetically engaging living environment.

Context and Concept

The clients selected an old warehouse that had previously been repurposed for rental housing as the site for their new residence. CDC ARQ embraced the industrial character of the warehouse, focusing on its double-height void to create a home that celebrates verticality and openness. The design preserves the essence of the original structure while introducing contemporary materials and spatial organization.

Spatial Organization

The program is organized around the central double-height space.

• A wood-clad mezzanine optimizes the available area, housing a private studio on the upper level.
• Balconies overlook the central void, encouraging dynamic interaction and multiple uses within the vertical space.
• The lower level accommodates the entrance hall, featuring designated storage for shoes and gear. A cleverly hidden door beneath the stairs leads to the bathroom, maintaining privacy while maximizing efficiency.

Kitchen and Living

The kitchen, positioned against a polished cement wall, serves as both a functional and visual anchor. Designed as an integrated wooden volume, it blends seamlessly with the surrounding architecture, reinforcing the minimalist yet warm atmosphere of the home. The open-plan living and dining areas engage directly with the mezzanine, creating a continuous flow of space and light.

Materiality and Atmosphere

The project balances raw, industrial finishes such as polished concrete with warm, natural materials like wood cladding and shelving, achieving a minimalist Japanese-inspired aesthetic. The interplay of volumes, textures, and voids allows the compact space to feel expansive, bright, and versatile.

Sustainable and Flexible Living

Ph Japón highlights how adaptive reuse can redefine urban housing in Buenos Aires. By transforming a former warehouse into a contemporary home, CDC ARQ demonstrates the potential of small-scale sustainable living—making the most of limited space while preserving the character of the existing structure.

All the photographs are works of Ana Grucki