Argentine designer Analía Espiga and art director Julián Romera have transformed an early 20th-century house in Buenos Aires' quiet Agronomía neighborhood into a stunning example of contemporary family living that seamlessly blends granite, wood, and metal materials. The renovation, completed by architects Carlos Cottet and Victoria Iachetti of Cottet Iachetti Arquitectos, doubled the home's interior square footage while preserving its traditional character and creating the weekend-home atmosphere the couple had long sought.
The couple's search for the perfect property had proven challenging, as they needed a centrally located Buenos Aires home that offered relaxed vibes, space for two separate offices, and an affordable price point. Their discovery of the Agronomía neighborhood came through their school-aged son Félix's sports activities, leading them to explore this off-the-radar area about 30 minutes from trendier destinations like Palermo or Villa Crespo. "While looking for parking near the sports club my son went to, the neighborhood came into focus," explains Julián, who works on films and commercials. "It's one of the last remaining pockets of low-lying houses, full of greenery thanks to Agronomía Park and the university of agricultural sciences."
The modest one-story house they purchased, built in the early 20th century, featured traditional bovedilla ceilings – a popular regional construction method consisting of rows of lightly arched brick vaults between metal beams. Although not architecturally significant, the property offered appealing patios and left sufficient budget for comprehensive renovations. The architects recognized the potential immediately, with Iachetti noting, "The nicest space in the existing house was the central area with the bovedilla, so we decided to keep that and build everything else around it."
Given the compact 75-by-23-foot footprint, achieving the family's goals required adding a second story. The architects carefully reimagined the home's flow while repurposing original materials, including wooden floors and beams now featured in upstairs bedrooms and custom furnishings. The heart of the renovated home became a spacious kitchen situated under the preserved bovedilla ceiling, featuring a combined island and dining table crafted from salvaged wood with a partial granite countertop.
The kitchen's design showcases the project's commitment to material integration, with original wood-framed glass doors opening to an interior patio and terra-cotta-colored cabinets in a shade called "Abundante Rubor." Finding the perfect red hue required several attempts, as homeowner Espiga, an industrial designer, had specific vision for the space. Behind the kitchen, a newly constructed living room features a glass wall overlooking the back patio, which now includes a small swimming pool tiled in black squares at Julián's request.
The second floor accommodates the family's work-from-home needs while maintaining separation between professional and personal spaces. Analía's furniture design studio occupies the former garage at the front of the house, allowing easy movement of large pieces in and out of her workspace. Julián's office sits upstairs, positioned a few steps lower than the rest of that level and tucked away from household activities. The upper floor also houses Félix's bedroom and a primary suite with access to a second-floor terrace.
Light management played a crucial role in the architectural design, with careful consideration given to window placement, shape, and size throughout the home. The architects created strategic openings, sometimes setting windows flush with exteriors to create deep interior reveals, other times aligning them with inner wall planes. "It's like a play or dialogue tied to the thick, white walls that characterize this house," explains Cottet. This attention to natural light particularly impressed the homeowners, with Julián noting how morning sunlight in the en suite bathroom travels through the entire ground floor by afternoon.
All ground-level floors feature local granite called "gris perla," while an artful assemblage of granite, wood, and cement forms the initial steps leading to the second story. The architects' material choices reflect both practical considerations and aesthetic goals, creating visual continuity while highlighting the home's mixed-material concept. The strategic use of different textures and finishes throughout the space demonstrates sophisticated design thinking that elevates everyday living.
The completed renovation successfully fulfills the family's original wish list while exceeding their expectations. "When we moved in, it felt like we had lived here all our lives," says Analía. "It's a home with great comfort that gives us a strong sense of belonging." The house reflects the neighborhood's DNA while providing modern functionality, with every room offering views of greenery or sky – something increasingly rare in urban Buenos Aires. As Julián reflects, "The feeling we had was this is what we wanted. We never felt it was foreign; it was easy to make it our own from day one."
