The Enofilo wine shop, conceptualized by Juan Campanini and Josefina Sposito, masterfully integrates a distinctive metallic mesh exterior with the dynamic urban fabric of Buenos Aires. Occupying a 175-square-meter renovated residence, the design tackles the complex spatial and stylistic challenges of the Bajo Belgrano district. This project underscores a design philosophy centered on creating spaces that not only resonate with the city's texture but also establish a unique dialogue between the existing environment and new architectural interventions. The careful articulation of the facade and the strategic placement of a sculptural staircase exemplify how architectural elements can transcend their conventional roles to become focal points, mediating the external urban landscape with the internal domestic scale, thereby enhancing the overall experiential quality of the space.
Architectural Harmony with Urban Landscape
The Enofilo wine shop by Juan Campanini – Josefina Sposito stands as a testament to harmonious urban integration through its innovative use of a metallic mesh facade. Situated in Buenos Aires, this 175-square-meter establishment transforms an existing house on Avenida Juramento into a contemporary retail space. The design team aimed to craft an environment that acknowledges and contributes to the city's diverse urban fragments. The silver-hued mesh, reminiscent of woven fabric, stretches across the original brickwork, creating a distinct visual identity while maintaining a connection to the broader cityscape. This facade acts as a permeable boundary, artfully mediating between the bustling street life and the serene interior of the wine shop, signaling its presence as a subtle yet significant addition to the urban mosaic.
The metallic mesh facade of Enofilo is meticulously crafted from precise panels that adapt to the building's subtle contours, including its step, door, and windows. These panels are securely fastened to a concealed framework, presenting a continuous yet intricately composed surface. The proportions of these individual sections gradually expand from the base upwards, creating a visually ascending effect. This innovative facade, while appearing smooth and unified, is a complex assembly of distinct parts. Complementing this exterior, a striking blue metallic staircase occupies the former patio area, serving as a pivotal element in the spatial organization. This staircase not only facilitates movement but also acts as a bridge between the urban context and the interior's more intimate, domestic scale. Together, the facade and staircase illustrate the studio's commitment to creating engaging and context-sensitive architectural interventions.
Interior Flow and Experiential Design
Upon entering the Enofilo wine shop, visitors are greeted by a communal tasting area, distinguished by built-in shelving that forms a sophisticated wine library, also enveloped in the signature mesh material. This design choice fosters an immersive experience, inviting patrons to explore the curated selection of wines. The counter, fashioned from dark granite, contrasts elegantly with the rough, sand-colored plaster ceilings, creating a rich textural interplay. A prominent white-painted structural column anchors the ground-level hallway, where auxiliary spaces are discreetly positioned. The lower sections of the walls and counters are painted in a soft blue, seamlessly connecting the interior palette to the striking metallic staircase. This cohesive design language ensures a smooth transition throughout the space, enhancing the visitor's journey from the entrance to the upper levels.
The light blue metallic staircase, with its vaulted awning, ascends to the upper floor, where private office spaces are located. The delicate, cross-shaped perforations of the metal not only add aesthetic appeal but also serve a functional purpose by diffusing natural light and air, contributing to a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. On the second floor, a lengthy table and expansive windows offer captivating views of the city skyline, integrating the interior workspace with the vibrant urban environment. The design studio emphasized that the mesh scheme was instrumental in highlighting key elements of the project, specifically redefining the building's street-front relationship and elevating the staircase through its surface treatment. This approach transforms ordinary elements into extraordinary features through thoughtful form and material selection, creating a space that is both functional and aesthetically profound.