MEMORY

El Refugio is nestled in a low-density area, embodying the essence of a country home where open spaces and a relaxed, unstructured environment reign supreme. This project unfolds in two stages: the first envisioned as a secondary house, designed not only for functionality but also as a haven for relaxation. Over time, it transformed into a vibrant home and central hub for a family eager to embrace simplicity and nature.

The design approach for both stages is grounded in rational principles that respond directly to the project's context. The initial construction, a 250m² house, functioned like an apartment with an expansive garden. Elevated one meter off the ground, it gives the impression of a single floating piece. Both stages of the house are lifted from the ground, a hallmark of the contemplative architecture we practice, creating a diffuse boundary that is spatially fluid yet marks a stance of transience.

The composition revolves around a central axis that organizes various spaces and serves as a starting point, projecting the interior towards the exterior. This central axis allows for a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor areas, making the exterior an integral part of the house’s composition.