A mid-20th century residential building in Villa Crespo, Argentina, has undergone a comprehensive transformation that demonstrates how thoughtful renovation can extend a building's life while meeting contemporary living needs. The Lerma House project, completed by BHY arquitectos in 2022, represents a careful balance between preserving architectural heritage and adapting to modern requirements.
The 210-square-meter renovation project involved a complete programmatic reinterpretation of the existing structure. According to the architects, the rehabilitation focused on aligning the building's functionality with contemporary lifestyle demands while implementing technical updates that would significantly extend the building's useful life. The design team, led by architects Javier Bracamonte and Gonzalo Yerba, worked with Franco Stinga on the overall design approach.
The project exemplifies sustainable architecture practices by choosing renovation over demolition. Rather than replacing the existing structure, the architects chose to work with the building's original bones, updating systems and spatial arrangements to create a home suitable for modern living. This approach not only preserved the embodied energy in the existing structure but also maintained the neighborhood's architectural character.
General construction was handled by Favio Teti, who worked closely with the architectural team to ensure that technical upgrades were seamlessly integrated into the historic fabric. The renovation required careful coordination between preserving original elements and introducing new systems necessary for contemporary comfort and efficiency.
The Villa Crespo location provided both opportunities and constraints for the renovation. As an established Buenos Aires neighborhood, the area's urban context influenced design decisions, requiring the architects to consider how the updated building would relate to its surroundings while maximizing the potential of the compact urban site.
Documented by photographer Bruto Studio, the completed project showcases how mid-century residential architecture can be successfully adapted for 21st-century living. The renovation stands as an example of responsible urban development that prioritizes rehabilitation over replacement, contributing to the ongoing evolution of Argentina's architectural landscape while respecting its built heritage.
