lightweight rib envelope clads patio in buenos aires residence by BHY arquitectos

BHY arquitectos has refurbished and extended a pre-existing dwelling in buenos aires, argentina, to introduce the ‘casa martínez’. the project emerges as a reinterpretation of the local ‘casa chorizo’ residential typology and is characterized by a succession of consecutive rooms positioned alongside a longitudinal patio, which serves as the unifying nucleus of the house.

all images by javier agustín rojas 

the intervention by BHY proposes three main operations in order to create the redesigned dwelling. as a first step, the architects adapted the existing structure of the ground floor to accommodate a new social area. secondly, they constructed a new level on the old terrace to house the private program. finally, they revalorized the lateral courtyard as a protagonist space, structured by a large lightweight envelope that helps provide stability to the upper floor. 

the patio offers a transition zone between interior and exterior, buffering the conditions between both spaces. the generous height of this volume, framed by a series of regular ribs, achieves a monumental feel, while also providing a sense of shelter and safety. besides structuring the expansion of the upper floor, this envelope supports the incipient invasion of both the project’s and the neighboring vegetation, allowing for the creation of a new landscape which fosters the freedom and imagination of various uses for its occupants. 

the deciduous vegetation that climbs over the envelope allows for optimal sun exposure during winter, and offers shade for the patio during summer, thus maximizing the use of the space throughout the year. at the same time, the linear garden adjacent to the party wall helps to reduce the high summer temperatures through evaporative cooling and to purify the fresh air for a healthy ventilation of the house. the exposed concrete floor both in the inside and outside areas, in addition to the thick preexisting walls of the lateral facade, offer the potential of thermal mass which further helps regulate the temperatures in a passive manner. 

project info: 

name: casa martínez
architecture office: BHY arquitectos
project team: javier bracamonte, julia hajnal, gonzalo yerba
location: martínez, buenos aires, argentina