+ 24
Share Share
EITHER
Clipboard “COPY” Copy
Description submitted by the project team. Casa La Ilusión, located on a 14-meter slope in the historic center of Barichara, faces the challenge of harmoniously integrating into the traditional architectural environment of the town. The previously empty lot had a steep slope that required an innovative solution for the construction of the home. 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 signature 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 home is through an upper volume that houses the social area. At the access threshold, a reflecting pool welcomes 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 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 depicting local flora and fauna, integrating with the landscape of bougainvillea planted in the courtyard that attracts birds, creating a visual and ecological connection with the surroundings. The project takes inspiration from the caney de tabaco, a typical construction of the region, using traditional techniques in the roof structure with par and knuckle, finished with clay tiles and caña brava. The details of Pedro Alejo vine ties 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 are a reflection of a deep commitment to the preservation of the cultural heritage of Barichara. 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 craftsmanship of the region alive.
