Cabaña en Lares
Lares, PR - Under Construction (2024)
A young professional couple acquired a 3,550sqm land in Lares, PR to decompress from their hectic jobs and to be in more contact with nature along with their two children, extended family, and friends. The wife, daughter of an ironmonger, has always been interested in architecture, design, and construction. Meanwhile, the husband enjoys hiking and has hiked Cerro La Torre, a distinguished peak in the area which can be closely seen from their land. Both enjoy the Puertorrican climate and want a small place that celebrates tropical architecture. The land is situated in Bo. Mirasol, in a high- altitude rural area with 360-degree views. They used to go on their time off to contemplate the use of the land and ponder the perfect site selection that maximizes the sunrise and sunset views.
Their backstory and wishes, along with the context and visit to the property is what generated the idea to design a 1,245 sqft one-bedroom concrete cottage that can be enjoyed as a couple as well as with family and friends. Facing west is the entry door, which opens to a small hallway with a circular opening directly at eye level. This opening visually connects to a semi-enclosed pool area that creates a sense of privacy. Its semicircular shape is reflected directly on a wall, creating an arched opening that frames the view to the east. If viewed in plan, the entrance and the pool work as a main central axis that divide the public and private program into two 16’-0” x 16’-0” areas. This division helps to place the structure accordingly with the existing topography, with the private area being 18” below the public area while allowing a semi basement area that serves as a mechanical room. The private space consists of a bedroom with a west view window opening and a semi- outdoor bathroom with a roof opening to allow light and rainwater to drop through an embedded planter. The public space has a kitchen with the necessities embedded to a wall niche, dinner/family area and openings on the east and west. The west opening has a floor extension that serves a terrace, while the east opening is ideal for sitting on a hammock and appreciating the sunrise. The roof is inclined in each of the two areas, allowing water to slope into designed minimal gutters and being favorable for placement of PV panels.
Working with a small budget, finishes were thought throughout the design to promote materials locally sourced, avoid labor intensive details, and reduce lifetime maintenance costs and requirements. The entire structure is proposed in concrete with vertical wood slat textures for the base and polished concrete finish for the main frame, ceilings, floors, kitchen, and bathroom vanity. Typical column concrete blocks frame the main entrance and provide ventilation and lighting to the hallway. All windows and doors are proposed using mahogany wood which warms out and balances the use of concrete while working as shutters for hurricane season.
The cottage will provide a safe and enjoyable stay for the owners, while they build the proposed trails and harvest their land.