Interior in The Aleph at Buenos Aires, Argentina, Foster + Partners Design
November 5th, 2008 - Posted in interior design
Adjoining the Faena Hotel + Universe in the new cultural district of Puerto Madero Este in the docklands of Buenos Aires, the Aleph luxury residence is a joint venture between architects Foster + Partners and Argentinian all round entrepreneur Alan Faena. Buenosairean traditional houses known as “casa chorizo” have been a key source of inspiration with their characteristic courtyards and open terraces. In the Aleph a number of the 57 apartments feature double-height balconies and to obtain maximum benefit from the pleasant climate of the capital, the conventional courtyards within each apartment have been reinvented in the form of an ‘external room’.
Each dual-aspect apartment is enclosed by glazed panels and bronzed aluminium sun screens, balancing the need for solar shading with daylight and cooling breezes. The exposed vaulted ceilings within the residences have been incorporated to enhance the sense of space and height.
Each apartment benefits from kitchen and bathroom suites purposely designed by Foster + Partners. Entrance to the complex is via the garden at the centre of the block, with two banks of elevators in the lobby area and separate service access. The residential block will house three penthouses complemented by open terraces. In true luxurious style, the building will be topped by a swimming pool on the roof. To cohere with the post-industrial brick buildings around the revitalised dock area, bronzed screens, limestone flooring and organic colours were chosen.
The Aleph is set to become a defining landmark in the landscape of the fast changing Puerto Madero district; phase one of The Aleph will be completed with two further residential blocks. Continuing the courtyard theme, these will be arranged around two central gardens in a T-shaped formation, enlivened by a fringe of shops at the base. Completion is expected for 2010. via www.worldarchitecturenews.com
