kohan ratto arquitectos renovates a vertical micro house in buenos aires

this renovation project by kohan ratto arquitectos involves the traditional typology of ‘PH houses’ in buenos aires, which are characterized by high density and low-rise architecture. situated within the palermo neighborhood, ‘PH scalabrini ortiz’ was originally a caretaker’s dwelling measuring just 322.92 ft2 (30 m2). after successive transformations by the previous owners, the small courtyard had been roofed over to provide a greater surface area. however, given the dense site, the removal of the patio meant the loss of natural light and ventilation in the living spaces.

all images © javier agustin rojas

understanding the patio as the key element in traditional PH houses, the first part of kohan ratto‘s intervention was to return the courtyard space, which brought the building back to it’s original footprint. including a rooftop garden, the house is organized over four levels, giving the architecture a tall, vertical expression. as residents move up the house, each floor level establishes a specific interaction with the courtyard and urban landscape below, graduating different situations of intimacy and relationship with the exterior.

the first floor, comprising the living room and kitchen, breaks down the barrier between indoor and outdoor. the glazed façade opens up to blur the line between the courtyard and the house, which continues upwards into the double height internal space. to make way for this void, part of the second floor studio is removed. although generating a smaller floor area, this intervention affords a connection to the lower level while also bringing in more light and ventilation. on the third floor, the bedroom rises above the courtyard, boasting views of the urban fabric. finally, from the terrace-garden, residents can contemplate the city landscape under the shelter of the neighbouring poplar tree.

a steel frame system has been employed to renovate PH scalabrini ortiz, making it possible to minimize the load of the structure on the pre-existing walls, and also to reduce the construction time on site. white surfaces complement the cool steel finishes, giving the home a very contemporary feel, while to bring life into the space, a myriad of lush greenery occupies the courtyard, resulting in a little urban oasis.