Taking a communal approach to building, Noreña Arquitectos engaged local craftsman and artisans to bring traditional techniques to the construction of this condo in rural Colombia. Set within a one-hectare plot, surrounded by tropical forest, the architecture shows a respect for the landscape. The mantra ‘building less and preserving more’ was entrenched in the design process from the start of the project. Despite its generous plot, the 240-square-metre home occupies only a small fraction of the land available, encouraging the area’s continued use as a natural wildlife reserve. 

Drawing inspiration from the colors, textures and materials of the surrounding terrain, the home is deeply connected to the land, shaped by a hands-on approach to the construction process. With the emphasis on community participation, the house was built with the involvement of local people, whose expertise were used in reviving the kinds of traditional building techniques that have become rare. Throughout the interior, custom-made pieces created by artists from across Colombia add layers of cultural identity, their inclusion reflecting the broader interest of the project in reconnecting art and architecture with tradition. The handmade details, natural finishes, and locally crafted elements lift the interiors with a rustic charm that runs deeper than mere aesthetics.

Photography © Yeferson Bernal