Design of a Villa in Dapa
Colombia
A contemporary retreat immersed in the Andean nature. Designed in 2017 in collaboration with Colombian architect Juan Felipe Cadavid.
Year
2017
In collaboration with
Cadavid Arquitectos
Project goals
The idea behind the project is to create a contemporary residence deeply connected with the mountain landscape of Dapa, near Santiago de Cali. The aim is to design an architecture that feels as if it has always belonged to the site – like an ancient ruin reinterpreted in a modern way – combining local materials with pure, essential lines.
Site conditions
The villa is planned on top of a mountain with spectacular views of the Cali valley, the Pacific Ocean, and the Andes. The site offers an extraordinary natural setting, but it requires a careful balance between environmental integration and architectural identity.
Design approach
The volumetric composition is based on three main blocks arranged around open, interconnected central spaces. The architecture alternates austere, monolithic volumes in local stone with large glazed surfaces, creating an effect that is both contemporary and timeless. The interiors are organized around a double-height hall on the ground floor and a central patio on the first floor, generating a fluid and visually continuous sequence of spaces.
Details and materials
The exterior is conceived as a sculpted mass of local stone, with raw and sharp surfaces. The interiors are clean and essential: white plaster walls, exposed concrete floors, and minimal furniture. Large windows open breathtaking views in all directions, while the panoramic terrace on the third floor is the visual and experiential climax of the entire house.
