PH Ruiz Huidobro By Estudio Yama: Innovative PH Renovation in Buenos Aires

Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the PH Ruiz Huidobro by Estudio Yama is a remarkable example of contemporary residential remodeling and expansion. Covering 111 m², this project reimagines a typical ground-floor PH unit with its own terrace, responding to the need for flexible living arrangements. Designed in 2023 and photographed by Albano García, the renovation emphasizes adaptability, sustainability, and seamless indoor-outdoor connections.

The central concept behind this project was flexible residential design, allowing the home to function either as a single-family dwelling or, in the future, as two independent units. The ground floor is optimized for privacy, accommodating bedrooms and intimate spaces with controlled natural light, while the upper floor houses public living areas that open directly onto a north-facing terrace, bringing natural light and outdoor accessibility into everyday life.

A key strategy involved constructing a new concrete slab, designed to support future vertical expansion, paired with a lightweight roof made from insulating panels. The same modular technology extends to the facade, allowing for disassembly and reuse, reflecting Estudio Yama’s commitment to sustainable architecture. The integration of glass panels, vertical wooden volumes, and semi-covered expansions promotes a fluid connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing spatial continuity.

The interior design is characterized by warm, tactile materials such as wood, granite mosaic, iron, and sheet metal. The staircase, framed by a vertical wooden volume and glass panel, elegantly links both levels while visually extending the lightweight roof. Public areas like the dining and living rooms benefit from the removal of glass enclosures, creating semi-open spaces that encourage interaction and connection with the terrace.

The facade renovation unifies the original construction with the expansion by standardizing colors and finishes, creating a coherent and contemporary aesthetic. Every material choice, from exposed concrete to wood accents, maintains a balance between functionality, sustainability, and the unique character of Buenos Aires PH architecture.

PH Ruiz Huidobro exemplifies adaptive reuse, flexible living design, and modern residential renovation, combining thoughtful spatial planning, sustainable materials, and indoor-outdoor integration. The project reflects Estudio Yama’s approach to contemporary urban homes, offering innovative solutions for evolving family needs while respecting the architectural identity of traditional PH units.'

All the photographs are works of  Albano García