MOUNTAIN REFUGE / SUBACHOQUE / 2022 - 2024 / UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Perched at an altitude of 3,050 meters above sea level, this secluded property is nestled in a remote corner of Colombia’s Andean Subpáramo—a rare, high-altitude ecosystem that is both dynamic and rich in biodiversity, teeming with water, fauna, and flora. The site commands an unparalleled view, offering sweeping vistas of the Subachoque Valley from an unobstructed angle, all while being cradled by pockets of native forest.
The design concept embraces the essence of a steep mountain refuge—a retreat where warmth and tranquility reign, and where light and shadow engage in a poetic dialogue. The layout is deliberately simple, yet the interior unfolds into a sequence of private spaces, each imbued with its own distinct character. These spaces offer a sanctuary of serenity, evoking a sense of timelessness and a deep connection to nature, and to the self.
Though the Subpáramo is generally characterized by cold, humid conditions year-round, the daily fluctuations in temperature and humidity are marked and dramatic. The house is oriented along a north-south axis, with the primary façade facing east to capture the gentle warmth of the morning sun. As the warm afternoon light is diffused by the slope and the forest behind, large skylights were introduced to invite natural light deep into the interior and to harness the sun’s heat, enhancing the home’s thermal comfort.
The façades are meticulously crafted with insulated double walls; the inner layer constructed from common burnt clay bricks, designed to increase the thermal mass of the house, ensuring a stable and comfortable indoor environment.
In keeping with the environmental sensitivity of the site, which has not been immune to anthropogenic disturbances such as deforestation and grazing, the project undertakes a robust ecological restoration initiative. More than 800 native trees, representing a diverse selection of species, have been carefully chosen and planted to rejuvenate the forest, restoring the landscape to its natural glory.
Photography by Juan Pineda