Project: B.O.’s house
Architects: Plan: arquitectos
Site: Envigado, Colombia
photos by: Courtesy of Plan: b arquitectos
BO House according to plan: b arquitectos
The Plan: The architecture firm BO designed the House in Envigado, Colombia. This home is located in a rural area, on a semi-flat lot at approximately 7,000 feet above sea level. The design of this two-storey residence aims to make the most of the stunning natural environment while offering residents a comfortable lifestyle, protected from the strong winds and rainy seasons.
1. The country house
This house is located on almost flat country land and at an altitude of 2100 meters above sea level, which in the tropics corresponds to a cold, rainy and humid ecosystem, with strong winds but no seasons. What were once areas of pasture and crops are beginning to transform into residential areas and it is in this context that we chose to bring this architecture into barns and farmhouses, with wide roofs and compact and easily recognizable forms.
2. Parallel cusps
A structure of concrete columns and horizontal and inclined beams as parallel levels generates in an organized and simple manner the structure of the house and its roof. The structure is left exposed on the ground floor, but clad to form the roof: above with asphalt shingle (high heat gain), and below with conglomerate panels finished in a shade of light yellow paint.
3. Life is on two levels
Within a compact rectangular plan, the social life of the house takes place on the ground floor and the private life on the second floor, but both are connected by a vertical and continuous space, configured by the roof. Being on the ground floor is the enjoyment of the nearby landscaping, doghouse, fireplace and concrete pergola that extends into the garden. Being on the second floor is to inhabit the roof slopes, skylights, deep windows and warm temperature.
4. Bioclimate
The morning and afternoon sun affects the long facades of the house, allowing a larger surface to be heated throughout the day, and its compact, symmetrical and regular shape, without courtyards and concentrated exchange points (skylights, windows and doors), controls the flow of cold winds, allowing an increase in temperature and natural lighting in rooms or in the living room.
– Scheme: arquitectos
