After conducting a thorough survey of the land and understanding its natural topography, orientation, and immediate context, we proceeded to identify and mark the largest and most impressive trees. These trees already gave the site a distinctive character, complemented by the natural stones incorporated into the stone wall of the main facade and the surrounding red soil.
With all this information duly recorded, the initial sketches began. The main architectural concept was to create a central courtyard that would house four of the ten trees that would be preserved. This courtyard would serve as both a terrace and a central axis for distributing different spaces and areas within the house.
As a result of including the central courtyard, the house was divided into two blocks: the eastern block would contain all the private spaces, while the western block would be designated for public areas on the ground floor and service areas on the upper floor.
The house benefits from an optimal environment due to the microclimate created by the trees in the inner courtyards and the variation in heights, ranging from 3.4 to 5 meters, depending on the use of each area. The planning of a sequence of courtyards allowed for precise placement of each window, ensuring that each one offers specific views of a tree, a terrace, a garden, or the sky.
On the upper level, there is a spacious semi-covered terrace located between the two blocks of the house. This layout allows for various visual perspectives and plays of light and shadow. From this terrace, views extend to the south and north of the site, without invading the privacy of neighbors or the residents of the house.
Design Team: Arq. Julio Garrido – Arq. Silvana Perera – Arq. Abril Burgos – Arq. Leonardo Marrufo – Arq. José Luis Ojeda – Arq. Patricio Trava
Photograph: Leo Espinosa / www.leoespinosa.com
