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Real Estate Sales Looking for a brand new home? These are the new design and construction trends - Infobae

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Looking for a brand new home? These are the new design and construction trends - Infobae




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Source:







August 25, 2024


Specialists' recommendations when choosing a property, from essential aspects in standard units to premium details that make the difference

By Jose Luis Cieri


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Flexible and functional environments are key to attracting the demand for modern, brand new homes (Courtesy: HA Emprendimientos)

Housing construction is undergoing a real revolution. Modern designs and the use of new materials not only respond to the latest aesthetic trends, but also adapt to the demands of an increasingly demanding buyer. Whether you are looking for a standard home or a brand new luxury property, there are key aspects to consider before making a purchase decision.

Nowadays, the search for flexible and open spaces that promote social interaction and efficient use of surface area predominates.

Anabella Gatto , project manager at ATV Arquitectos (a studio made up of Federico Azubel, Ignacio Trabucchi and Walter Viggiano) told Infobae that the new housing projects seek diversity of uses, people's encounter with themselves, tranquility, silence and, above all, connection with nature."

Today, design aspires to harmony between the urban and nature, creating “high-rise houses” that integrate gardens, swimming pools and open spaces to enjoy the outdoors, thus satisfying the desire of the modern inhabitant to connect with the outdoors without giving up the comforts of urban life.

Versatility is a value on the rise. Current designs increasingly incorporate multifunctional spaces that adapt to different uses (Del Campo)
Today's homes reflect a fusion of global trends and local needs. The preference for open floor plans that integrate kitchen, dining and living into a single fluid space not only maximizes usable surface area, but also encourages social interaction.


This trend is complemented by the search for minimalist environments, with clean lines, neutral colors and few decorative elements, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and order.

“Versatility is a value on the rise. Current designs increasingly incorporate multifunctional spaces that adapt to different uses, such as home offices or leisure areas that can be transformed into additional rooms,” Sebastián del Campo , director of Architecture at HA Emprendimientos, told this media outlet.


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Internal circulation areas finished with high-quality materials also affect the final value of a home (Courtesy: ATV Arquitectos)

This flexibility responds to new family and work dynamics. The same space can function as a bedroom and, at the same time, be transformed into a practical office for remote work.

Pablo Nóbile , commercial manager of Cacique Desarrollos, said that “in architecture, the fusion of the industrial and the residential is essential. A clear example is the use of sheets combined with wood-like cladding in internal patios, creating a very attractive contrast of textures and styles.”

Predominant characteristics

According to Gatto, reinforced concrete is the preferred material for the construction of condominiums in the city of Buenos Aires, thanks to its strength, durability, low maintenance and technical knowledge. “In addition to the use of glass, which provides light and allows for good thermal and acoustic insulation, an efficient and adaptable construction standard is established.” However, the search for identity and warmth in residential spaces encourages the exploration of new possibilities.


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The connection between the interior and the exterior is key in the present (Courtesy: Cacique Desarrollos)

“Concrete, with its great plasticity, allows for the creation of unique textures and shapes, while natural wood provides warmth and nobility. The current challenge lies in combining these materials creatively, achieving sustainable buildings with their own identity,” Gatto added.


Reinforced concrete predominates as the preferred material in the construction of horizontal property in the city of Buenos Aires, thanks to its resistance, durability, low maintenance and technical knowledge (Gatto)

In Greater Buenos Aires, and within a 90-kilometer radius of CABA, there is a growing adoption of dry construction systems, such as wood, paneling and steel frame, as an alternative to the traditional method.

Large balconies and terraces are integrated into the design, extending the living space and offering a fluid transition between indoors and outdoors.

“Furthermore, the search for sustainability is positioned as a central axis. The incorporation of technologies that improve energy efficiency, such as solar panels and water collection systems, are key in new constructions,” observed Iván Briones , commercial director of Estudio Kohon.


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Wide, airtight double-glazed openings are vital to reduce the acoustic-thermal effect and allow natural light to pass through (Illustrative Image Infobae)

Exposed concrete, for example, stands out for its robustness, modern aesthetics and low maintenance, while aluminium frames with double glazing guarantee optimal thermal and acoustic insulation.

Briones added: “The incorporation of technologies such as inverter air conditioning not only increases the comfort of the owners, but also improves the energy efficiency of the homes, reducing the environmental impact and long-term costs.”

Durability, sustainability and aesthetics

Among the essential elements and characteristics to meet buyers' expectations, the functional layout, open spaces, natural lighting, and large outdoor spaces stand out.


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In the construction of modern homes, a balance is sought between aesthetics, durability and sustainability through the strategic combination of materials (Illustrative Image Infobae)

Sebastián Del Campo added: “Security is another very important aspect, along with quality amenities that offer spaces for recreation, work and social interaction. Gyms, grills, swimming pools, coworking areas, multipurpose rooms, among other common areas, are prioritized.”

Technology has arrived in homes to stay, revolutionizing the way we live. Smart systems such as home automation, which allows for automated lighting and air conditioning control, and mobile devices that manage security and access, optimize energy consumption, improve quality of life and reduce costs in the long term.


Smart systems such as home automation, which allows lighting and air conditioning to be controlled automatically, and mobile devices that manage security and access, optimize energy consumption.

“When choosing a home, it is essential to find out about sustainability and energy efficiency certifications that guarantee a modern and environmentally responsible home,” Briones recommended.

The kitchens, functional and with great storage capacity, are integrated into spacious environments.


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Digital smart systems allow you to operate the operation of household appliances and accessories

Pablo Nóbile pointed out: “The bathrooms, with top quality materials, reflect the care for aesthetics. A key difference is that each unit has its own outdoor space with a grill, to allow you to enjoy the outdoors without leaving home. For ideal thermal comfort, it is recommended that the rooms incorporate the warmth of radiant floor heating.”

“Energy efficiency is essential, so modern air conditioning systems and energy-efficient appliances are highly valued. Connectivity is another key aspect, with high-speed internet infrastruc


Energy efficiency is essential, which is why modern air conditioning systems and energy-efficient appliances are highly valued (Nóbile)

Porcelain floor and wall coverings are also commonly used, as are top-of-the-line taps with ceramic closures (ceramic disc systems that gently open and close the flow of water), sanitary fixtures from leading brands and kitchen furniture with top-quality details and plenty of storage capacity.


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The kitchen is a key space and should have dual circulation, if possible, with an island or peninsula to provide aesthetics and practicality to the inhabitants of the home (Illustrative Image Infobae)

“Today it is common to incorporate electronic access with facial readers, programmable air conditioning systems,” said Nóbile.

Impact on construction costs

Del Campo highlighted: “Inflation and the rise of the dollar almost doubled the cost of construction in 2024. In luxury homes, high-end finishes and home automation directly impact the final price. Noble materials, design details and cutting-edge technology are especially visible in common areas and amenities, raising the standard of this type of property.”

Construction of a 70-square-meter house starts at USD 500 ($677,500 at the blue dollar exchange rate of around $1,355) per square meter.


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Despite the context, the drop in the cost of a square meter of construction in dollars places it at historically low levels, keeping the attractiveness of real estate investment in force, argued the sector.

“In standard units, the items that had the greatest impact on the final price were water installations, labor, iron and finishes on countertops and floors,” said Anabella Gatto.

Examples and values

Finding a balance between quality, design and price is key.

While standard units for sale average USD 2,000 per square meter, some architectural firms focus on premium projects, with prices ranging from USD 3,400 to USD 3,800 per square meter.


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The presence of balconies is more important than before according to experts (Courtesy: Estudio Kohon)

“Other proposals, which start at USD 2,800 per m2 in the high range, demonstrate that modern architecture can offer attractive solutions for different budgets, attracting an audience looking for contemporary, functional homes with a careful aesthetic,” said Iván Briones.



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