estudio diagonal designs '3x3 retreat,' a sustainable rainforest haven in chile

The Rio Perdido West Bungalows, designed by Studio Saxe, are located in Bagaces, Costa Rica, near a volcanic range. This project, completed in 2024 and spanning 816 square meters, consists of floating pavilions integrated into lush forests, offering views of a canyon. The design philosophy of Studio Saxe emphasizes connecting inhabitants with nature, aligning with the firm's broader approach to tropical architecture. The bungalows are part of a hospitality development that seeks to enhance the natural environment through its architectural language. The bungalows are designed to be light and environmentally sensitive, minimizing their impact on the surrounding ecosystem. This approach is rooted in the Studio Saxe's commitment to sustainable design, where structures are conceived as part of the landscape rather than an imposition upon it. The use of natural materials and careful siting are key elements in achieving this integration. The design strategy specifically addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by the unique topography and climate of Costa Rica's volcanic region. Structural engineering for the project was handled by SOTELA ALFARO and BILDTEK, ensuring the stability and safety of the elevated structures. UTSUPRA was responsible for the electromechanical systems, focusing on efficiency and minimal environmental footprint. JIMACO Constructores executed the construction, bringing the architectural vision to fruition. Dania Saragovia provided the interior design, ensuring that the internal spaces complement the natural external environment and provide comfort for guests. Key materials used in the construction include wood, steel, and concrete. Wood is extensively utilized for its aesthetic qualities and its ability to blend with the natural surroundings, as well as for its renewable properties. Steel provides structural integrity, especially for the 'floating' elements of the pavilions, allowing for large spans and a lighter visual impact. Concrete is likely used for foundations and other critical structural components, ensuring durability and stability in the tropical climate. The selection of these materials reflects a balance between architectural expression, structural requirements, and environmental considerations. The project falls under the category of 'Cabins & Lodges' and 'Hospitality Architecture,' indicating its function as accommodation for visitors seeking an immersive natural experience. The bungalows are situated in Bagaces, a location known for its ecological significance and proximity to volcanic landscapes. The design aims to create a harmonious relationship between the built environment and the rich biodiversity of Costa Rica, offering a serene retreat that respects and highlights its natural context. #HospitalityArchitecture #CabinsLodges #SustainableDesign #TropicalArchitecture #WoodenStructures #CostaRica #Bagaces #StudioSaxe

OJA (Organic and Joyful Architecture), an Argentinian studio, developed Casa Gallareta, a 250-square-meter boutique holiday complex nestled within the native Coihues and Arrayanes forest of Villa la Angostura, Patagonia. Lead architects María Ayelén Olivieri Martinez and Juan Segundo Diaz Dopazo aimed to create a retreat that harmonizes with the natural environment, utilizing the region's steep slopes, panoramic views, and proximity to Lake Correntoso. The project consists of several timber-clad cabins, designed to offer tourists an immersive experience within the forested surroundings. The core design principle of Casa Gallareta emphasizes integration with the landscape. Each cabin is conceptualized as an extension of the forest, blending into the environment through a balance of structured design and natural placement. The architectural language deliberately connects the built spaces with nature, ensuring that while the cabins share a cohesive aesthetic, each possesses unique characteristics. The strategic positioning of the cabins involved identifying and utilizing vacant spaces within the forest, thereby avoiding any deforestation. This approach reflects the architects' commitment to creating a structure that coexists with the ecosystem without intrusion. The cabins feature an inventive spatial arrangement that blurs the lines between the interior and the forest, all within a compact footprint. The exterior of each structure is clad in eucalyptus wood, treated with the traditional Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique. This method involves charring the wood surface, which not only creates a distinct texture but also enhances its durability, water resistance, and fire retardancy. The resulting darkened facade, complemented by materials like lapacho wood, black zinguería, glass, and exposed concrete, establishes a visual contrast against the vibrant green trees and snow-covered landscapes. In contrast to the robust exterior, the interiors are designed to evoke tranquility and spaciousness. Guatambú, a light-colored, knot-free wood, is used for the seamless interior coating. This material choice creates an exquisite contrast with the charred exterior and contributes to an expansive feel within the cabins. The use of large Guatambú slabs also streamlined the construction process. Furthermore, all interior furniture is custom-designed to match the materiality of the walls, contributing to a clean, monolithic, and minimalistic aesthetic throughout the living spaces. The design incorporates expansive windows, strategically placed to offer immersive views of the surrounding myrtle trees while maintaining privacy for guests. #PatagoniaArchitecture #EucalyptusWood #ShouSugiBan #SustainableArchitecture #CabinDesign #BoutiqueHotel #OJAArchitecture #TimberArchitecture #ArgentinianDesign

In the Valle de Bravo, Mexico, architect Bernardo Chavez Peón designed Los Durmientes, a weekend retreat for a family of five. This project, Peón's first residential endeavor since establishing his Mexico City practice in 2019, aims to integrate the home seamlessly with its natural surroundings. The region, characterized by evergreen woodlands, experiences subtle seasonal changes that deeply influenced the architectural approach. The clients expressed a desire for a space that felt more like a tent than a traditional house, emphasizing their wish for a profound connection to the site itself. Peón’s primary intention was to blur the lines between interior and exterior, particularly in the common areas. A significant focus of the design was a distant view where fog settled between two overlapping hills, creating a captivating display of light and shadows. The expansive living room, considered the heart of the home, is oriented to maximize this vista, offering an alternative to television by encouraging observation of atmospheric shifts like sunlight, rainfall, and mist movements. Other interior spaces strategically frame parts of the landscape or fully open up to invite the temperate climate indoors, fostering a continuous interaction with nature. The material palette further reinforces this immersion. Chavez Peón opted for locally sourced materials, including stone and dark-tinted pine for the structure, Santo Tomás marble for bathroom details, and a combination of wood and Mexican volcanic rock for the floors. This choice was deliberate, reflecting the belief that nature provided the ideal color scheme, and foreign materials would disrupt this harmony. From a distance, the home presents a refined yet organic appearance, as if emerging from the earth or being gradually embraced by it. The varied textures of stone and wood in the façade suggest a timeless quality, hinting at graceful aging even though the project was completed in 2021. The interior spaces are richly textured, mirroring the exuberance of the outdoor scenery. Lavish textiles in muted tones are complemented by accent pieces made from woven palm or terracotta. While some light reflects off warm white furnishings, much of it is absorbed by the darker architectural surfaces, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere for relaxation. The home was conceived as a gathering place for the family and their friends and relatives, offering an escape from urban life. This focus on hospitality led to the addition of a sixth bedroom during the design process to accommodate more guests. Private areas, including bedrooms, feature a noble austerity, balancing minimal furniture with ample natural light and varied textures. The culinary facilities include two full kitchens, one indoors and one on a terrace, connected by a vegetable garden. The dining area is also divided to cater to different group sizes, with floor-to-ceiling windows that can be opened to create a unified ambiance for larger gatherings. A striking feature of Los Durmientes is its swimming pool, situated at the base of the overlapping hills. This simple black rectangular pool, which includes a jacuzzi, serves a sculptural purpose when not in use. Its dark, still water reflects the changing sky, functioning as a piece of land art. The pool is visible from all main areas of the house, allowing residents to observe the movement of clouds on its surface, and when submerged, to feel an intimate connection with the earth. #MexicanArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #NatureImmersion #SustainableMaterials #ValleDeBravo #ModernRetreat #ArchitecturalDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving

Inverse Project has designed the 'Beach Barn,' a functional, single-level home situated on a rectangular beachfront lot in Costa Rica's central Pacific area. The design seamlessly integrates with the surrounding natural environment, which features a gentle slope towards the ocean and a grove of coconut palms frequently visited by sloths and macaws. The client's requirement for fluid transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces heavily influenced the architectural concept. The core design inspiration for the Beach Barn is a large barn roof, characterized by differing north and south pitches. This configuration incorporates a clerestory window that effectively captures morning sunlight, enhancing the interior's natural illumination. To ensure optimal comfort in the tropical climate, the design incorporates an open structure that facilitates natural ventilation, allowing hot air to escape through a slot extending the length of the building. The barn roof is supported by two substantial parallel stone walls, establishing a clear axis from the entry point to the seaside. This primary living space extends outwards to define both an arrival courtyard and an expansive outdoor living terrace. Access to the Beach Barn is discreetly located within a lush, tropical courtyard, leading to a prominent, off-center pivot door crafted from Guanacaste wood. This bespoke door features a long, driftwood-inspired pull, meticulously created by a local metalworker. Inside, a unique wooden sculpture, developed using parametric software by Inverse Project, serves as a partial screen for the open-plan living area and visually represents an ocean wave, further connecting the interior to its coastal setting. Maximizing Costa Rica's mild climate, the residence includes a generously sized outdoor terrace for both living and dining activities. A saltwater infinity-edge pool, designed to offer scenic reflections of the ocean, especially during sunset, is a key feature. A large, wood-framed sliding door provides the option to enclose and protect the interiors from the elements when necessary. The interiors are organized around a wide, open central space, flanked by four distinct modules. These modules accommodate three bedrooms and a garage, with the separated volumes creating private garden courtyards that introduce natural light and greenery into the living spaces and bedrooms. The master bedroom is distinguished by Guanacaste wood panels behind the bed, which are designed to mimic the concentric ripples of raindrops on water. Hand-blown glass lamps, resembling water droplets, contribute to the thematic decor, while large windows provide unobstructed ocean views. Bathrooms feature polished concrete floors that smoothly transition to flush slatted wood in the shower areas. Indirect lighting is strategically placed beneath floating sink counters and behind mirrors, enhancing the aesthetic. Brazilian Gneiss stone clads the walls of the central living space, with floor lighting designed to accentuate the stone's texture. Sustainability was a key consideration in the construction. The roof features clay tiles and solar hot water panels, promoting energy efficiency. Large ceiling fans installed in living spaces and bedrooms reduce the reliance on air conditioning. The lighting system, developed by Ilumineisn, predominantly uses indirect dimmable LEDs to conserve energy and allow for adjustable ambiance. The main living space is equipped with a lighting control system that includes preset light scenes and motorized roll-down window shades, offering convenience and environmental control. #BioclimaticArchitecture #TropicalDesign #CoastalLiving #SustainableArchitecture #IndoorOutdoorLiving #CostaRicaArchitecture #InverseProject #ResidentialDesign

Taller General, an Ecuador-based architectural studio, has completed La Miradora, a residential project situated in the rural landscape of Machachi. The house is located at an altitude of 3,403 meters above sea level within the Páramo ecosystem, a tropical wetland region in the Andes. Its strategic positioning along the highest point of an elongated plot allows the dwelling to provide expansive views of a steep ravine, with a backdrop of meadows and distant volcanoes. The design of La Miradora is meticulously integrated with the land's natural slope, allowing for a two-level interior organization. The upper floor accommodates the main living areas for the primary residents, featuring wide windows that optimize natural light and ventilation. A loft on this level offers framed views of the surrounding volcanoes to the north and south. The lower level, designed to be smaller due to the terrain, provides additional rooms and service areas for visiting family members, ensuring functionality without compromising the house's compact appearance on the slope. The architects at Taller General prioritized both communal gathering spaces and individual privacy in the layout of La Miradora. The dwelling encourages interaction while offering secluded areas for residents and guests. Outdoor circulation is thoughtfully incorporated through a covered ramp that runs along one side of the house. This ramp provides direct exterior access to the main level and acts as a sheltered pathway, mediating between the interior and the outdoor environment, and offering a series of framed views of the Páramo landscape. Ecological performance was a key consideration in the design. La Miradora utilizes solar panels for electricity, and a sophisticated grey and black water treatment system. This system includes grease traps, a biodigester, and a wetland, ensuring that all water is treated before being released back into the ground. This closed-loop system mirrors the natural water cycle of the Páramo, emphasizing the project's commitment to environmental sustainability and minimizing its impact on the fragile ecosystem. The construction also minimizes waste by leaving materials exposed, such as wood, brick, and metal, thereby eliminating the need for additional coatings or plasters. This approach highlights the structural honesty of the building and reduces material consumption. The house's structure is characterized by an array of ten wooden ribs, spaced 2.44 meters apart. Each rib consists of four inclined elements that converge upwards, forming protective eaves and supporting the upper level. On the north side, these ribs rest on a brick base that conforms to the slope, while on the south side, they extend into durable metal members designed to withstand environmental elements and adapt to the terrain's gradient. This adaptable structural system allows for variations in rhythm to accommodate specific spatial requirements, such as the loft, and to maximize outward views. The combination of wood, brick, and metal creates a balanced aesthetic that conveys both shelter and exposure, durability and lightness. The extensive roofline and eaves offer protection to the timber and regulate sunlight penetration into the interior spaces, enhancing comfort and energy efficiency. Local craftsmen were integral to the project, contributing their skills in wood, metal, ceramics, and textiles for integrated lamps, furniture, and partitions, which further enrich the material expression of the house. #ResidentialArchitecture #EcuadorianArchitecture #SustainableDesign #PáramoEcosystem #VolcanoViews #NaturalMaterials #EcoFriendlyHome #Machachi #TallerGeneral

The Pérgola House, designed by Sidney Quintela Architecture + Urban Planning, is located in Praia do Forte, an old fishing village in Brazil known for its rustic charm and contemporary feel. Completed in 2021, this residential project spans an area of 750 square meters. The design addresses the client's desire for ample space to host friends and family, making large balconies a prominent feature. The architectural style blends contemporary aesthetics with tropical influences, emphasizing open spaces and a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor environments. A core design principle was to maximize natural light and ventilation throughout the house. This approach not only enhances the comfort of the inhabitants but also contributes to energy efficiency by reducing reliance on artificial lighting and air conditioning. The integration of the living spaces with the surrounding environment is a key aspect of tropical architecture, a style that prioritizes harmony with nature and climatic responsiveness. The project's location in Praia do Forte further dictates this emphasis, requiring designs that are adapted to the local climate, which typically involves warm temperatures and abundant sunlight. The project involved a dedicated team, with Sidney Quintela as the Architect In Charge. The team included Christianne Midlej, Lais Barreto, Sinval Neto, Thiara Maciel, and Jouse Sena. Their collaborative efforts focused on bringing the client's vision to life while adhering to the principles of sustainable and contextual design. The use of specific manufacturers such as Arqluz, Bizâncio, Bontempo, Básica Home, Home Design Casual, Oca Brasil, Portobello, and Tidelli suggests a commitment to quality materials and furnishings that complement the contemporary and tropical aesthetic of the house. Key materials used in the construction and finishing of Pérgola House include wood, which is often favored in tropical architecture for its natural beauty, durability, and ability to blend with the environment. The choice of wood also aligns with sustainable building practices when sourced responsibly. The house features elements like beams, decks, and pergolas, which are integral to its design and functionality, providing shade and defining outdoor living areas. The photographs by Manuel Sá capture various aspects of the house, including its exterior, facade, garden, courtyard, and interior spaces, highlighting the interplay of light, shadow, and materiality. The interior design includes spaces like a living room, dining area, and bedrooms, all designed to be open and inviting. Features such as large windows and open layouts promote cross-ventilation and allow natural light to penetrate deep into the living areas. The presence of stairs, sofas, tables, and specific lighting fixtures indicates a thoughtful approach to creating comfortable and functional spaces for both intimate family life and larger social gatherings. The emphasis on indoor-outdoor living is evident through design choices that blur the lines between these zones, creating a cohesive and expansive living experience. #ResidentialArchitecture #TropicalArchitecture #SustainableDesign #PraiaDoForte #Brazil #SidneyQuintela #ContemporaryDesign #NaturalLighting #Ventilation #WoodConstruction

K10 Studio has unveiled Casa Infinity, a contemporary concrete residence located on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. This architectural project integrates raw materials to create a modern tropical aesthetic, with a notable L-shaped infinity pool serving as a central design element that visually connects the home's interior with its natural surroundings. The residence is situated on a hilltop in Guanacaste, offering subtle ocean views amidst surrounding Teak trees. The design philosophy behind Casa Infinity focuses on blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. The L-shaped infinity pool is strategically placed to act as the primary axis around which the social areas of the house are organized, enhancing this connection to the garden and the Pacific Ocean. The architectural composition is characterized by two distinct volumes. The front volume, designed to face the street, is constructed from exposed concrete, providing a sense of privacy and a grand, temple-like facade. Local artisans were involved in creating a dynamic mosaic texture on this concrete surface, adding a unique artistic touch. The main entrance is further accentuated by large Teak wood panels, which introduce a natural and welcoming element to the robust concrete structure. The material palette of Casa Infinity emphasizes a balance between the raw industrial feel of concrete and the warmth of natural wood. Exposed concrete walls and ceilings are utilized throughout the residence, offering a textured finish that imbues the structure with character and integrates it more deeply with its environment. This minimalist approach is thoughtfully combined with wooden elements to achieve a distinct 'tropical' aesthetic. The construction process benefited from prefabrication techniques, which were employed to ensure both the quality and efficiency of the build. In contrast to the concrete front, the rear volume features a striking steel structure complemented by a ceiling made of local Teak slats. This combination creates a visual and material contrast that adds depth to the design. The living areas are equipped with tempered glass doors that can be fully opened, extending the indoor spaces onto terraces and further dissolving the barrier between the interior and exterior. The infinity pool, which wraps around the first floor, includes a built-in bench, offering a space for relaxation and social interaction while overlooking the picturesque landscape. Casa Infinity exemplifies simplicity, sophistication, and high-end finishes. K10 Studio, the Costa Rican architecture firm behind the project, has successfully blended minimalist design principles with the specific requirements of a tropical climate. The design incorporates natural cross ventilation and solar control techniques, ensuring a harmonious and comfortable living environment that continuously fosters a connection to its natural setting. #ResidentialArchitecture #ConcreteArchitecture #InfinityPool #CostaRica #TropicalDesign #K10Studio #SustainableDesign #WoodArchitecture #Guanacaste

TAC Taller Alberto Calleja designed Casa Kani Ini, a seaside retreat situated on a 4,500 sqm plot in the El Vigía sector of Puerto Escondido, on the coast of Oaxaca, Mexico. The project aimed to create a comprehensive living space for a family while minimizing environmental impact. To achieve this, the design strategy involved fragmenting the total built area into several strategically distributed independent structures, rather than constructing a single, massive building. This approach ensures enhanced privacy, optimal ventilation, and a stronger connection with the natural landscape. The social and recreational areas of Casa Kani Ini are housed within a continuous nave, which is supported by a mixed structure of wood and concrete. This nave is oriented directly towards the beach and the Pacific Ocean, maximizing views and natural light. It features a single-sloped roof and a flat slab section that supports a rooftop area. This elevated rooftop serves as a contemplative space, offering new perspectives of the surroundings and enriching the visual and sensory experience from a higher vantage point. A central green water courtyard forms the core of the house, acting as a transitional element and a natural distributor between different spaces. This courtyard maintains a sense of openness and fluidity throughout the property while also providing privacy and enhancing natural airflow. The bedrooms and service areas are organized into six independent modules, positioned at the rear of the property in a staggered layout. This arrangement physically isolates the various functions, with these solid volumes connected only by circulation bridges. This fragmentation of the built mass across the site facilitates a harmonious integration with the surrounding natural environment, allowing the architecture to blend seamlessly into its coastal setting. The design of Casa Kani Ini fosters a dynamic interplay between the architectural forms and the natural environment. The strategic placement of independent volumes, combined with the use of natural materials like wood and concrete, contributes to a balanced and respectful intervention in the landscape. The project prioritizes natural ventilation and open spaces, ensuring that the inhabitants can fully experience the coastal setting while enjoying privacy and comfort. The overall scheme reflects a thoughtful consideration of site conditions and client needs, resulting in a retreat that is both functional and deeply connected to its unique Mexican coastal location. #ResidentialArchitecture #SeasideRetreat #MexicanArchitecture #WoodAndConcrete #SustainableDesign #CoastalLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #EnvironmentalIntegration #PrivacyAndOpenness

Lote Studio has designed and constructed Casa CG, an elevated residence located on the coastal edge of Punta Hueso in Chile's Coquimbo region. The architectural design by Juan Pablo Gutiérrez García and José Ignacio Ferreira centers on a grid-based structure composed of nine distinct parts. Eight of these sections, forming the outer perimeter, are crafted from wood, while the ninth, central section is a concrete spiral staircase that functions as the main entrance to the home. The entire structure is raised off the ground, a deliberate choice that minimizes disruption to the underlying plants and soil, allowing natural elements like wind and sunlight to move freely beneath the house. This elevated position also grants the residence expansive scenic views in all directions, particularly of the Pacific Ocean. The primary framework of Casa CG utilizes laminated wooden beams, which are strategically connected to the central circular concrete core. A layered system supports the main floor, starting with larger wooden beams, followed by smaller beams placed atop them, and finally, horizontal wooden purlins. This intricate system effectively conceals the spiral staircase from an immediate view upon approach. Upon ascending the central concrete spiral staircase, visitors arrive at a small hallway. From this point, the interior layout is divided into distinct public and private zones. The public area encompasses the living room, dining room, and kitchen, each occupying one of the three designated wooden sections. The private quarters, comprising a bedroom and a bathroom, are situated within two other wooden sections. A core philosophy of simplicity guides the design of Casa CG, extending from the interior spaces to the exterior. This design ethos culminates in a balcony, which is integrated into the remaining three wooden sections. This balcony offers residents and guests uninterrupted panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and is specifically oriented to provide optimal views of the sunset over the water. The elevation of the home and the careful placement of the balcony emphasize a connection with the natural surroundings, allowing for an immersive experience of the coastal environment. The construction predominantly features wood and concrete as the main materials. The central concrete core bears the majority of the structural load, while the wooden elements define the rest of the building's form and aesthetics. The innovative system of beams and purlins ensures the stability of the raised floor while significantly reducing the environmental impact on the site. The deliberate nine-section grid organizes the interior spaces into a coherent, boxy shape, with the circular concrete core serving as a distinctive focal point and entrance marker. The spiral staircase acts as a symbolic and literal transition, connecting the ground to the elevated living spaces and subtly hinting at the natural vistas awaiting those inside. #CasaCG #LoteStudio #ChileanArchitecture #ElevatedResidence #WoodAndConcrete #SpiralStaircase #CoastalDesign #SustainableArchitecture #PuntaHueso

Andes House, located in Puembo, a rural area on the outskirts of Quito, Ecuador, is a private residence designed by Correa+Fatehi | ODD. Completed in 2021, the project redefines the relationship between architecture, landscape, and materials. The design emphasizes integration with its environment, utilizing locally sourced materials and drawing inspiration from the Andean topography. The house's construction prominently features materials derived directly from its site. Excavated earth is compacted to form rammed earth walls and cast into custom adobe bricks. This choice of material not only grounds the structure physically but also provides functional benefits, such as regulating indoor temperature and light. The breathable, ventilated façade casts dynamic shadows throughout the day and emits a soft glow at night, transforming the otherwise monolithic structure into an atmospheric presence. The architectural strategy for Andes House incorporates a landscape design that mirrors the surrounding highland wilderness. The residence appears to rise from sculpted mounds of native vegetation, creating a seamless transition between built and natural environments. Access to the house is integrated into these sculpted mounds, with pathways reminiscent of the Chaquiñán, the ancestral Andean trails, guiding visitors through a sequence of spaces that gradually reveal the structure. This processional approach culminates in a sunken threshold, initiating an immersive sectional experience within the house. From an exterior perspective, Andes House presents itself as a compact, vertical monolith, appearing discreet and firmly rooted in its location. Internally, the design focuses on spatial flexibility and dynamic organization across three levels. A key feature is a mobile platform that traverses all floors, serving not merely as a circulation element but as a mechanism to adapt the living spaces. This mobility allows various programs within the house to shift, merge, and reconfigure, accommodating changing needs and uses over time. The second level of the house extends outward into a plateau featuring both an interior pool and an exterior garden. Operable glazing divides these two spaces, enabling them to merge and unite the interior living area with the external landscape. This design choice further blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments, enhancing the connection to nature. Correa+Fatehi | ODD, the architectural studio behind Andes House, was founded by Lucas Correa and co-directed with Parshan Fatehi. The firm, established in 2015, operates from Quito, Ecuador, and is expanding to Toronto, Canada. Their work is recognized for spatial clarity, material intelligence, and an approach described as adaptive grounding, which treats each project as a system influenced by its context, materials, and long-term functionality. Their portfolio includes residential, hospitality, and urban design projects, all aiming to produce architecture that is both rooted in its environment and forward-looking in its design principles. Andes House exemplifies this philosophy, showcasing an architecture that is deeply attuned to its site's contours and conditions, resulting in a dwelling characterized by quiet intentionality and environmental sensitivity. #AndesHouse #EcuadorArchitecture #SustainableDesign #RammedEarth #ModernResidence #CorreaFatehi #ArchitecturalInnovation #ContextualArchitecture #SouthAmericanArchitecture

Schenkar Luxury Homes, in collaboration with Bogota-based GA Arquitectura y Construcción, has completed a custom, sustainable residence in Guatapé, Colombia. The 3,500-square-foot home, featuring 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, a media room, an office, and over 2,000 square feet of outdoor deck, is situated on a 1.5-acre private shoreline overlooking a freshwater reservoir. This project, located approximately 6,200 feet above sea level in the Andes mountains, exemplifies a blend of luxury, customization, and environmental consciousness. The development and construction process spanned roughly 3.5 years and involved nine phases. Due to the challenging and inaccessible topography of the location, traditional heavy machinery for excavation, concrete pouring, or piling was not feasible. Consequently, the construction relied heavily on manual labor and skilled handcraft. The design integrates interior and exterior spaces through the use of floor plates, ceiling surfaces, and extensive glass walls. The material palette includes concrete, steel, Colombian stone, and Italian marble, harmonized with white, black, and gray tones, and accented by warm wood paneling. All linens and furniture were custom-made and locally sourced from Bogota, incorporating fabrics and colors that reflect the region’s vibrant architectural style. Sustainability was a core tenet of the project, integrated through various high-tech and low-tech solutions. The dwelling is fully insulated to optimize heat management and features solar panels for renewable energy generation. Recycled materials were incorporated into certain structural elements of the building. A comprehensive rainwater management system collects runoff in cisterns for irrigation purposes and further filters it to provide potable water. Even the selection of fixtures, from sanitaryware to lighting, was made with a focus on reducing the carbon footprint and overall environmental impact of construction. Alex Schenkar, Principal of Schenkar Construction, emphasized that their approach differs significantly from prefabrication, which often offers limited customization. Schenkar’s custom homes are designed to meet the exact specifications, style, and functional requirements of their clients. The environmental context of each home is thoroughly considered to implement diverse sustainability strategies. Beyond the physical construction, Schenkar Construction actively supports local economies by employing thousands of local trade professionals and conducting regular training clinics for partner companies. They also contribute raw materials like steel and concrete for local road construction, and Alex Schenkar personally leads training sessions to introduce new construction techniques and styles that are economically sensitive to the regions where they operate. This project represents a significant step in normalizing and prioritizing sustainable practices within the luxury home construction sector, demonstrating that bespoke design and environmental responsibility can coexist. The collaboration with GA Arquitectura y Construcción highlights an international effort to achieve these objectives. The finished residence stands as a testament to meticulous planning, skilled execution, and a deep commitment to sustainable architecture in a challenging natural environment. #SustainableHomes #LuxuryHomes #CustomArchitecture #SustainableDesign #Architecture #Colombia #SchenkarLuxuryHomes #GAArquitecturaYConstruccion #ResidentialDesign

The Rio Cedro House, designed by Plan:b arquitectos and completed in 2011, is situated in Moñitos, Colombia, on the Caribbean Sea coastline. This architectural project integrates with a tropical dry forest ecosystem, emphasizing a design approach that respects and responds to its natural surroundings. The house's location allows it to interact closely with both the forest and the sea, informing its material choices, spatial organization, and environmental strategies. Sergio Gomez provided the photography for the project. The design of the Rio Cedro House is characterized by its open structure and use of locally available materials. Wood, in particular, is a prominent material, selected for its aesthetic qualities, sustainability, and ability to blend with the natural environment. The house features elevated platforms and permeable enclosures that facilitate natural ventilation and offer panoramic views of the landscape. This open-plan approach helps to blur the boundaries between the interior and exterior spaces, promoting a continuous interaction with nature. The strategic placement of windows and openings maximizes natural light and minimizes the need for artificial cooling, contributing to the building's energy efficiency. Environmental considerations are central to the Rio Cedro House's design. The architects focused on creating a structure that is both resilient to the tropical climate and minimally impactful on the delicate ecosystem. The elevated design helps protect the house from potential flooding and allows the natural ground cover to thrive beneath. The use of natural materials and passive design techniques reflects a commitment to sustainable architecture. The house acts as a model for integrating modern living with environmental preservation, demonstrating how structures can coexist harmoniously with diverse natural habitats. The house's program includes various living spaces tailored to its coastal forest setting. These spaces are designed to be flexible and adaptable, catering to different activities while maintaining a strong connection to the outdoors. The layout promotes a fluid movement between rooms and encourages occupants to engage with the surrounding environment. This project exemplifies how thoughtful architectural design can enhance the human experience by immersing residents in a natural setting while adhering to principles of sustainability and ecological sensitivity. The integration of the house with its site in Moñitos, Colombia, showcases a balanced approach to development in sensitive ecological zones. #ResidentialArchitecture #Houses #Colombia #Moñitos #WoodConstruction #TropicalArchitecture #SustainableDesign

The Pergola House in Playa Grande, Costa Rica, designed by Studio Saxe, represents a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor living, conceived after the clients experienced a personal loss and sought a fresh start in Costa Rica. The architectural design was specifically tailored to integrate with the vibrant natural landscapes of the region, focusing on a seamless transition between the home and its environment. The project's genesis stems from the clients' desire for a deep connection with nature and an active family lifestyle following the loss of their previous home to wildfires. The core concept of the Pergola House revolves around a series of elegant pergolas. These structures serve multiple functions: they unify the garden with the living spaces, extend the outdoor experience by inviting coastal breezes and panoramic mountain and ocean views into the home, and provide natural shade. The design is characterized by structured rib elements that can expand or contract, adapting to the surrounding topography and existing trees. This adaptability allowed for the incorporation of natural elements directly into the architectural scheme, with intentional gaps in the roofline to accommodate and celebrate the verdant vegetation. Sustainability was a paramount consideration in the design and construction of the Pergola House. The residence generates its own energy through solar power, while the extensive pergolas and overhangs provide natural shading to mitigate heat gain. Strategic placement of windows promotes natural cross-ventilation, drawing cool air from both the ocean and the mountains, thereby reducing reliance on artificial cooling systems. Furthermore, water recycling systems are implemented to irrigate the surrounding landscape, supporting local flora and contributing to the cooling of the home's exterior surfaces. This holistic approach ensures that the house not only minimizes its environmental footprint but also actively enhances its ecological setting. The construction process emphasized efficiency and minimal environmental impact. Prefabricated structural metal ribs were assembled on-site, a method chosen to reduce disruption to the natural landscape. This technique also offered flexibility, allowing the architecture to navigate around existing trees and challenging topographical features. The project utilized a combination of local materials and prefabricated elements, showcasing a commitment to light-touch construction that integrates innovation with traditional building practices. This approach underscores the project's dedication to both aesthetic harmony and ecological responsibility. Completed in December 2022, the Pergola House spans approximately 400 square meters. The design director for Studio Saxe was Benjamin G. Saxe, with interior design by Sofía Interiorismo, landscape design by Studio Saxe, structural engineering by GUIDI Estructurales, and electromechanical engineering by DYNAMO. C+C served as the builder. The clients expressed that the home symbolizes renewal and resilience, providing a sanctuary where family life can thrive amidst nature. The architectural philosophy captivated them with its seamless integration into the environment and its reflection of the inhabitants' personal journey, creating a dwelling that embodies hope and new beginnings in the vibrant Costa Rican landscape. #PergolaHouse #CostaRicanArchitecture #SustainableDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving #StudioSaxe #PlayaGrande #TropicalArchitecture #EcoFriendlyHome

VV House, designed by AzulPitanga, is situated amidst coconut trees at the base of Chapada Nacional do Araripe in Barbalha, Ceará, Brazil. The design approach emphasizes integration with the natural environment through careful material selection and architectural planning. The house uses local materials, including Barbalha stone and rammed earth, to achieve a harmonious blend with the landscape. This residential project is thoughtfully fragmented into four distinct structures, which are interconnected by external pathways. These pathways serve to guide both residents and visitors, fostering both physical movement and visual engagement with the surroundings. The four structures comprise a social block, a private suite for the couple, a guest suite, and an open space specifically designed for the storage of a vintage Beetle car. The social block, which acts as a central gathering point, incorporates a gathering room, a kitchen, a storage room, a toilet, and a gazebo. The gazebo offers expansive panoramic views of the surrounding natural landscape, enhancing the connection between the interior and exterior environments. Instead of presenting a single, imposing structure, the design strategically fragments the house. This fragmentation is a deliberate choice to minimize disruption to the existing natural flows of energy, animal movements, water, and wind across the site. By adopting this approach, the house effectively camouflages itself within the vast and rich natural landscape of the Araripe National Forest. AzulPitanga's design team meticulously chose rammed earth walls for their inherent thermal inertia, a quality that aids in effectively regulating the interior temperatures of the house. The orientation of the rooms is optimized to capture sunlight from the east and west, while specific architectural elements like small balconies and closets are strategically placed to shield the interiors from the intense western sun. Bathrooms in VV House are designed with large windows that open directly onto the landscape, fulfilling the residents' desire for an immersive, nature-connected bathing experience. This connection is further accentuated by the use of natural stone flooring within these bathrooms. The social block's architectural identity is defined by two parallel walls constructed from Barbalha stone and a large, rectangular slab roof. This roof is supported by four recessed pillars, contributing to the block's open and integrated feel. The east and west facades of the house feature a half-timbering technique, utilizing massaranduba wood bars. These bars are either sealed with reinforced mortar, fitted with fixed glass, or integrated as wooden shutters, providing versatility in light and ventilation control. The design also incorporates large sliding shutter doors, which facilitate a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. An external stone wall staircase leads to a rooftop viewpoint, offering another vantage point for appreciating the natural surroundings. VV House also demonstrates a commitment to ecological preservation by respecting and maintaining a natural water line that traverses the property during rainy seasons, ensuring the continued flow of water to the Arajara River. The house's circulation axis is carefully aligned with the natural topography, integrating ramps and terraces that meander among the existing trees. This design philosophy ensures that the house organically emerges from its site, honoring and sustaining the pre-existing natural patterns and elements. The project encapsulates the clients' desire for a lifestyle deeply intertwined with natural energies, a philosophy reflected in the house's minimalist architectural style and its Mediterranean influences. VV House exemplifies a sensitive and sustainable architectural approach, achieving seamless integration with its environment while providing both functional and aesthetically pleasing living spaces that balance traditional building methods with modern design principles. #RammedEarth #SustainableArchitecture #BrazilianArchitecture #EcoFriendlyDesign #NaturalMaterials #IntegratedLandscape #MinimalistArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #AraripeNationalForest

The Muli Muli house, designed by DFJ Architects, serves as an example of how design constraints, particularly a tight budget and challenging site conditions, can lead to innovative and refined architectural solutions. Located in a small coastal hamlet north of Byron Bay, this residential project demonstrates a reductive approach to holiday home design, prioritizing small-footprint simplicity as an antidote to urban living. The primary constraint for the Muli Muli house was a limited budget, which Dominic Finlay-Jones of DFJ Architects viewed as a clear parameter that streamlined decision-making. This financial boundary, coupled with the desire to create a functional yet compact dwelling, led to a design exercise focused on reduction. The sandy, near-level site also presented its own set of challenges, including flood and bushfire overlays, the need to preserve significant vegetation, and the prospect of two-story townhouses being built on an adjacent northern lot, close to the boundary. To address these site-specific challenges, a strategic approach to orientation and placement was adopted. Instead of the typical northern orientation, the house was sited to face south, hard up against potential future neighbors, to maximize views of the protected remnant littoral rainforest and coastal swamp sclerophyll forest. This positioning not only captures private, internal views through the garden but also creates a crucial buffer against potential bushfire threats. Furthermore, the building was elevated half a meter above flood level using a waffle pod foundation, allowing it to integrate with the landscape while remaining protected. The house's functions are distributed across three distinct pavilions: living/eating, sleeping/ablutions, and carport/storage. These pavilions are arranged in a U-shape around a central courtyard featuring a circular plunge pool and lush subtropical gardens. The living pavilion, oriented eastward towards the trees, achieves a sense of spaciousness despite its compact footprint, thanks to a cranked ceiling plane of spotted gum ply and extensive floor-to-ceiling glazing. A triangular, covered deck extends the living area, reinforcing the connection to the outdoors. The sleeping pavilion, positioned behind the living area, accommodates three bedrooms and two bathrooms, while the carport completes the U-shaped arrangement. An outdoor covered walkway, equipped with sliding mesh screens, connects the three pavilions. This design choice intentionally encourages occupants to interact with the external environment as they move between spaces, offering a distinct break from the enclosed nature of city life. The extensive use of tropical plantings around the pavilions, including giant alocasia, cordylines, heliconias, and gingers, filters sunlight and provides privacy from a nearby shared beach access track. Operable glazed walls in each bedroom and bathroom open onto private gardens, drawing the landscape into the interior spaces and enhancing the overall sense of volume. The interior aesthetic emphasizes a moody, calm quality, designed to help the owners disconnect from their busy urban routines. The material palette is intentionally limited to burnished concrete, raw block brick, battened fibro, and dark plywood. This reductive approach not only helped to control the budget, especially during a period of rising material costs, but also created a shaded, protective retreat from the intense Northern Rivers light. Despite budget challenges, the project maintained its affordability, attracting significant interest from younger staff at DFJ Architects, who saw it as a model for achieving architectural quality within financial constraints in an expensive postcode. The Muli Muli house exemplifies how thoughtful design, even under restrictive conditions, can yield architecturally significant and highly functional outcomes. #ResidentialArchitecture #CoastalLiving #SustainableDesign #SmallFootprint #BudgetFriendly #ArchitecturalInnovation #SubtropicalGardens #DFJArchitects #HolidayHome

The "Calx Sustainable Houses" project, designed by Pezestudio, involves the construction of two interconnected houses located approximately 40 kilometers south of Lima, Peru, in front of the Pachacámac Islands. The project was commissioned by a group of four individuals: a filmmaker, a psychotherapist, an anthropologist, and a dancer, who desired a shared living space near the Los Pulpos spa to enjoy the beach environment together. The design of the houses is deeply influenced by their spectacular natural setting, characterized by the rich biological diversity of the marine-coastal ecosystems surrounding the Pachacámac Islands. This location, coupled with the existing topography, guided the architectural approach. The houses are conceptualized as two distinct blocks, strategically arranged around a central patio. This central courtyard serves multiple functions: it accommodates various plant species, fostering a connection with nature, and crucially, it ensures that all rooms within both houses receive ample natural light and ventilation, enhancing energy efficiency and living comfort. The architectural execution emphasizes simplicity and elegance, creating a harmonious dialogue between the built structures, local materials, and the surrounding landscape. The choice of materials and design elements aims to integrate the houses seamlessly into their environment while providing modern amenities. The houses are designed to offer a unique vertical journey through their different levels, culminating in a rooftop area. This rooftop features a swimming pool, offering residents a prime spot to relax and observe the sunset over the Pacific Ocean, further enhancing the experiential quality of the homes. The project was completed in 2021 and covers an area of 560 square meters. Gonzalo Cáceres Dancuart is credited for the photography, capturing the essence of the design and its integration with the Peruvian coastline. Manufacturers involved in the project include MADERALIA and iBambú, suggesting a focus on wood and bamboo materials, which aligns with the "sustainable" aspect highlighted in the project's title. The structural engineering was handled by Jorge Avendaño, and Marisa Mujica was responsible for the ATREZZO, indicating attention to detail in the interior styling and furnishings. The project's location in Lima, Peru, underscores its regional architectural context. The emphasis on natural lighting, ventilation, and the use of local materials points towards sustainable design principles. The layout around a central patio promotes a sense of community between the two houses while maintaining individual privacy. The vertical design and rooftop amenities maximize the use of space and capitalize on the scenic views, offering a luxurious yet environmentally conscious living experience in a unique coastal setting. This project exemplifies how contemporary architecture can respond to specific client needs and environmental conditions, creating aesthetically pleasing and functional residences. #ResidentialArchitecture #Houses #SustainableDesign #CoastalArchitecture #Peru #Lima #Pezestudio #NaturalLighting #Ventilation #LocalMaterials

Formafatal, a design studio based in the Czech Republic and Costa Rica, has designed and constructed two identical villas named Achioté on a steep jungled hillside in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica. These 95-square-meter villas are located 300 meters above sea level and offer expansive views of the Pacific Ocean through frameless glass walls. The project represents the first known implementation of rammed earth construction in Costa Rica. Dagmar Štěpánová, founder of Formafatal, spearheaded the project, serving as the architect, project manager, construction manager, and a co-investor. Her vision was to create sustainable homes with biophilic interiors, where the sharp lines of the architecture would contrast with the lush tropical vegetation, yet the chosen materials and colors would blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Each villa's rectangular plan incorporates only three solid exterior walls, meticulously built using rammed clay excavated directly from the construction site. Due to Costa Rica's lack of experience with this specific building technique, Brazilian specialist Terra Compacta was brought in to ensure the quality and integrity of the rammed earth construction. These load-bearing rammed earth walls, combined with structural H-columns, support a monolithic concrete ceiling slab, which is further defined by raw steel channels along the exterior roofline. The remaining sections of the villas are enclosed by floor-to-ceiling, frameless glass panels that can retract into ceiling grooves, effectively extending the interior living spaces towards the Pacific Ocean. The layout of each villa is straightforward, featuring a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. These functional areas are enveloped by an open-air terrace, which acts as the primary living space and includes an infinity pool. While the structural form, construction methods, and orientation of the two villas are identical, their interior color schemes differentiate them, reflecting the architect's perception of the site's energies prior to construction. The first villa, Jaspis, embodies yin energy, connecting with the ocean and sky through warm sand-colored hues. In contrast, Nefrit, located 12 meters away, represents yang energy, grounding itself with the earth and jungle through a palette of terracotta and charcoal shades, reminiscent of local soil. The concrete floors in both villas feature distinct non-slip cement screed patterns. Interior fittings merge functionality with aesthetic contrast. The only interior door is a thin sliding fibre-cement panel in the bathroom, while delicate mosquito nets and linen curtains are discreetly installed in ceiling tracks, draping around the beds. Conversely, the bathroom and kitchen counters are integrated into a concrete monolith, and weighty concrete elements like bedside tables and benches draw inspiration from Belgian design principles. Other furnishings, light fixtures, accessories, and art pieces were carefully curated from various international designers, emphasizing originality. This project follows Formafatal's previous collaboration with Refuel Works in 2020 on the nearby Art Villa concrete rental home, which played a pivotal role in Dagmar Štěpánová's relocation to Costa Rica and the expansion of her studio's operations in the region. The project emphasizes sustainable building practices, a strong connection to the natural environment, and a thoughtful integration of interior and exterior design elements. #RammedEarthArchitecture #SustainableDesign #BiophilicInteriors #CostaRicaVillas #ModernArchitecture #InfinityPools #Formafatal #ResidentialDesign #MinimalistArchitecture

APS Concept Studio has undertaken the renovation of the "Villa of The Star," a residential resort situated within Vietnam's Dalat pine forest. This project aligns with the Mo Stay plan, focusing on three core principles: connectivity, locality, and sustainability. The architectural approach aims to seamlessly integrate the structure with its natural surroundings, fostering a harmonious relationship between human habitation and the forest landscape. The design prioritizes longevity and environmental suitability, utilizing a selection of locally sourced and sustainable materials. These include stone, pine wood, concrete, steel, and bricks, chosen for their durability and regional relevance. The villa's location on a low 'taluy' river bank necessitated specific construction measures to prevent environmental impact and mitigate risks such as landslides and rock displacement during heavy rainfall. To address this, stone steps were integrated into the design, forming a natural retaining wall that both preserves the landscape and protects the residence. The structural composition of the villa comprises three main volumetric blocks: two distinct units with pitched roofs and a central, lower connecting section that forms the ground floor. A solid ground mass, clad with intricate tangled stone, provides a stable base and supports the two upper, roofed components. These housing units are primarily constructed from natural pine wood, showcasing two distinct color variations that add visual depth to the interior spaces. Modified pine wood was specifically chosen for its enhanced properties, including resistance to moisture, mildew, and termites, as well as its heat resistance, stability, durability, and overall environmental friendliness. This material is extensively used for the ceiling, walls, and floors throughout the villa. The application of varying natural wood tones, ranging from light to dark, helps to delineate different areas and prevents a monotonous aesthetic. Strategic placement of large glass windows maximizes natural light penetration and offers expansive views of the surrounding forest, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor environments. In communal areas such as the living room and kitchen, grinding concrete floors are employed, serving to subtly differentiate public from private zones. Further enhancing the connection to the outdoors, large glass doors lead to expansive exterior spaces, facilitating a flexible, open-plan layout. This design ethos is central to the project, aiming to immerse residents in the natural beauty of the forest scenery while simultaneously ensuring their privacy and comfort. The collaboration involved a dedicated design team from APS Concept, including Hung Vo, Phan Thanh Dien, Duong Le, Trinh Phoi Phoi, Dao Van Hieu, Phu Le, and Hung Le, with specialized contributions from The Box for wood construction and Pandomo for floor finishing. The photography documenting the project was captured by Quang Tran. #ArchitecturalRenovation #SustainableArchitecture #WoodenVilla #DalatPineForest #VietnameseArchitecture #BiophilicDesign #LocalMaterials #ResortDesign #EnvironmentalIntegration