La “Casa Chorizo” en Argentina. Conocimiento y documentación para la salvaguardia del patrimonio arquitectónico

The "Chorizo House" is a particular type of architecture developed in Argentina between 1890 and 1930. It was born as a typical house in the cities of Buenos Aires and Rosario but later on it spread in many others Argentina's cities. It is a typical old colonial Roman style house with three consecutive courtyards where all the rooms are in line with open spaces just like files of sausages. The rooms of all the houses measure four metres for four and the height of the ceiling is about four metres. The construction system of these houses was standardized: only some architectural elements and ornamental details were chosen by each owner, to customize the home to his own taste. From an analysis recently conducted in Argentina it was realized that many of these houses have been turned upside down and are no longer recognizable in their forms, geometry and proportions among the parties. Even the colours of the plasters with whom have been repainted fronts were chosen randomly. This study will attempt to contribute to the knowledge and documentation of these artifacts with the aim to safeguard and enhance an architectural heritage, important also for its social value.