London-based architecture practice Foster + Partners has completed its first project in Latin America with the opening of the Faena Aleph Residences in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The building is part of the regeneration of the city’s former docks of Puerto Madero as a new urban quarter. Drawing on local architectural traditions, the Faena Aleph apartments feature vaulted living spaces and deep, sheltered terraces that exploit the local climate and maximise views towards the city and the Rio de la Plata.
The Faena District combines new construction and refurbished historic buildings, with places to live and work, alongside new civic spaces, leisure and arts venues. The nine-storey Aleph is located on Avenida Juana Manso and comprises 50 apartments, with shops, cafes and restaurants at ground level, a landscaped garden to the rear and an infinity pool at roof level.
Inspired by traditional housing in Buenos Aires, where the boundaries between inside and outside living are blurred, the design features split-level living spaces that extend into generous balconies and double-height patios. The interiors of the apartments feature wooden balustrades, bronze screens and stone-tiled bathrooms with vaulted concrete ceilings. The combination of moveable sun screens and projecting balconies provides shade from both low and high angled sun, while ensuring privacy, allowing natural ventilation and drawing daylight into the apartments.
