Recoleta house

In the central Recoleta neighborhood in Buenos Aires, Octava Arquitectura refurbished an apartment from the Sixties preserving its old character.

PH Recoleta is the renovation project of an apartment in the Recoleta neighborhood, in central Buenos Aires. It is part of a building originally constructed in the 60s, composed of six apartments, with the access through a long corridor.

Img.1 Octava Arquitectura, PH Recoleta, Buenos Aires, 2016
Img.2 Octava Arquitectura, PH Recoleta, Buenos Aires, 2016
Img.3 Octava Arquitectura, PH Recoleta, Buenos Aires, 2016
Img.4 Octava Arquitectura, PH Recoleta, Buenos Aires, 2016
Img.5 Octava Arquitectura, PH Recoleta, Buenos Aires, 2016
Img.6 Octava Arquitectura, PH Recoleta, Buenos Aires, 2016
Img.7 Octava Arquitectura, PH Recoleta, Buenos Aires, 2016
Img.8 Octava Arquitectura, PH Recoleta, Buenos Aires, 2016
Octava Arquitectura, PH Recoleta, floor plan
Octava Arquitectura, PH Recoleta, section
Octava Arquitectura, PH Recoleta, section

  The main challenge was to combine the identity of the original space and the new functions for a young client that would use it as a working space. Major importance was given to redesigning circulations and connections between the rooms, in favor of a clear spatial division between the privacy of the occupant, within his bedroom, dressing room and bathroom, and the rest of the spaces —­ access corridor, kitchen, dining room and toilet. These spaces have been desinged to be flexible, according to their actual use.

Img.11 Octava Arquitectura, PH Recoleta, Buenos Aires, 2016

The understanding of the pre-existing conditions led to reinvent the special features, narrating the history of the building. Iron windows, old wooden doors, wooden floors, brick exposed walls and ceilings have been combined with calcareous floors, old recycled metal doors, and a different use of colors, which attempts to capture the attention.


PH Recoleta, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Program: apartment renovation
Architects: Octava Arquitectura
Team: Micaela Casoy, Paula De Falco, Estefania Earsman (preliminary project)
Area: 100 sqm
Completion: 2016