Casa Foa - Buenos Aires, Argentine

Project - 'Cartref' Wales contemporary loft apartment showcase 2005
Client - Wales Assembly Government
Designers - Angela Gidden, Jonathan Adams, Lynsey Jackson, Matt Jones

Casa Foa is an interior exhibition that takes place each year in Buenos Aires Argentina. Wales were invited as the 2005 Guest Nation to create an apartment interior within the exhibition space. Casa Foa took over the early twentieth century derelict Piccaluga textile factory in the Barracas area of Buenos Aires prior to its restoration and urban redevelopment as loft apartments, cafe's and bars. The Wales Assembly Government commissioned Angela Gidden and architect Jonathan Adams to design a contemporary loft apartment called 'Cartref" showcasing art, design, literature, film and music from Wales to mark the 140th anniversary of the Welsh colony in Patagonia. The design inspiration was drawn from the organic form and materials of the landscape of Wales. The concept was both dynamic and unique. Over 70,000 people visited Casa Foa and 'Cartref' was voted the best interior space by the public as well as winning an honorary award at the Casa Foa Awards Ceremony.

The upper landscape of the main living space. The whole living space was and principal structural elements were planked with timber strips complimented with a stacked glass wall to the side.

A view from the upper level with the main sleeping deck at the top moving down to the chill-out level with water feature then down to lower and main living space with kitchen.

Aspect from living space up rising to upper levels. All furniture, art and interior products were sourced, designed and made in Wales.

The dining counter was made in Corian along with the kitchen area to the back.


Along the glass stack hallway and to the rear of the main living space on the ground level a therapy bedroom was created with a photographic light box and included an ensuite shower area within a forest of suspended timber logs


The Piccaluga textile factory reinvigorated with Casa Foa bringing it to life