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Description submitted by the project team. Casa La Ilusión, located on a 14-metre sloping plot in the historic centre of Barichara, faces the challenge of harmoniously integrating into the traditional architectural surroundings of the town. The previously empty lot had a steep slope that required an innovative solution for the construction of the house. The design takes advantage of the slope through a disaggregated architecture, articulated with terraces and gardens, creating a stepped profile that adapts to the terrain and reflects the local facades.
To maintain coherence with the traditional architecture of Barichara, local materials such as rammed earth, adobe, stone, wood and cane brava were used. The rammed earth and bahareque walls, along with the compacted earth block (BTC) and traditional pañetes made with horse manure, earth and lime, combine to offer a construction that honors the ancestral techniques of the region. Barichara stone, the area’s flagship material, was used with various finishes: rustic, sandblasted, bushed and pointed, standing out in areas such as the outdoor shower, where it was arranged in a circular geometry.
Access to the house is via an upper volume that houses the social area. At the entrance threshold, a reflecting pool welcomes you and acts as a bioclimatic element that, together with the thermal inertia effect of the rammed earth walls of the enclosures, lowers the temperature of the space by up to 8 degrees Celsius. This reflecting pool is crossed by a bridge, creating an entrance that is not only functional but also symbolic, marking the transition between the exterior and interior of the house.
The design includes a ceramic mural by Juanita Richter that portrays local flora and fauna, integrating with the landscape of bougainvilleas planted in the patio that attract birds, creating a visual and ecological connection with the environment. The project takes inspiration from the tobacco caney, a typical construction of the region, using traditional techniques in the structure of the roof with par and knuckle, finished with clay tile and cane brava. The Pedro Alejo vine lashing details for the wooden columns add authenticity and artisanal value to the design.
The windows and spaces between the volumes of the house enhance the views towards the cathedral and the tile roofs of the town, harmoniously integrating with the urban landscape. Gardens and terraces provide green spaces that not only beautify the environment, but also promote local biodiversity. The project not only stands out for its materiality and contextual design, but also for its focus on sustainability and respect for local traditions.
The construction techniques used in contemporary spaces reflect a deep commitment to preserving Barichara’s cultural heritage. Manual construction processes and the use of local artisan workshops ensure that each element of the house has a particular story and meaning, keeping the region’s craftsmanship alive.
