Teodoro García Residential Building – Innovative Collective Housing in Buenos Aires

The Teodoro García Residential Building by BAS + Oszurkiewicz is a contemporary collective housing project situated in the vibrant Chacarita neighborhood of Buenos Aires, an area experiencing rapid urban transformation. Once a traditional residential district, Chacarita has evolved into a hub of restaurants, art galleries, design studios, and cultural centers, positioning it as one of the city’s most dynamic emerging neighborhoods.

Architectural Concept and Spatial Organization

This residential project organizes 13 apartments around four distinct courtyards, each with its own hierarchy and character. These central courtyards are vital for introducing natural light and ventilation into the apartments, promoting sustainable living while creating semi-covered corridors and a vertical circulation core that encourages social interaction among residents.

The building’s design incorporates inverted exposed concrete beams as both a structural and aesthetic element. These beams seamlessly connect balconies, common areas, and window spaces, ensuring privacy while shaping a continuous spatial flow. This interplay of solid and void elements enhances the overall architectural experience, guiding light and shadow throughout the interiors.

Landscape and Outdoor Integration

The ground floor is open and thoughtfully designed, featuring green areas, shaded plant beds, and pedestrian pathways, all complemented by parking spaces. At the rear, a lush courtyard with absorbent soil provides a serene gathering space for residents, fostering community interaction while promoting eco-friendly urban landscaping.

The building’s exterior balances solid, translucent, and void elements, creating a dynamic dialogue with the street and surrounding urban environment. This nuanced approach to permeability allows controlled sunlight penetration and shadow projection, enriching the living experience and establishing a strong visual connection between interior spaces and the city.

Sustainable Design and Urban Context

The Teodoro García Residential Building exemplifies modern Buenos Aires architecture, merging functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. Its design encourages community engagement, enhances environmental performance, and reflects a sensitive approach to the evolving urban fabric of Chacarita.