Amidst the quaint landscape of Guatapé in Colombia, the Guatapé Water Reservoir, a hydroelectric dam built in the 1970s gleams beneath the imposing 950ft monolithic Rock of Guatapé. This man-made reservoir not only powers the region but also reflects a story of dynamic change, where nature and the built environment engage in a quiet dialogue shaped by erosion, weather and the sparse lakeside ecosystem. Set within this characteristic location, New York-based architecture and design studio Atelier García conceived Concrete House as a thoughtful response to the challenges posed by its rugged surroundings.

Perched atop a rocky hill, the residential architecture is a study of sculptural precision and environmental harmony. The triangular footprint of the project reflects a purposeful adaptation to the site’s angular topography, bearing three axes carefully designed to orient spatial flows and frame views of the dramatic landscape. “The house’s form was shaped by the challenge of placing a 120 sqm structure at the tip of a hill, as requested by the client without significantly disturbing the terrain or compromising the integrity of the highest point on the property, which provides the only direct view of the Rock,” shares Clara Arango, Colombian architect and director of Atelier García, in an interview with STIR. "While the house’s severe geometry originates from the natural flow of the topographic contour lines, the power of the surrounding landscape inspired a bold architectural response,” she adds.

"The experience of space within this compact house unfolds in three stages or three interactions with the natural landscape,” the Brooklyn-based architects mention in an official statement. At the ground level, the residential design is anchored by a poured-in-place concrete plinth that is both a structural necessity and a protective shell against the elements. Here, private quarters are intimately nestled into the hillside like a hidden cavern, with strategically placed openings that reveal the verdant landscape beyond. This subterranean landscape design evokes the tranquillity of a secluded cave, where the tactile solidity of concrete is complemented by carefully positioned light openings that invite moments of quiet contemplation.

Ascending from this solid base, the design unfolds into a transparent upper floor that invites the vast panorama of nature indoors. Expansive, floor-to-ceiling glazing dissolves the barriers between inside and out, artfully framing the reservoir and surrounding landscape. The use of thermal mass in the concrete helps regulate indoor temperatures, reducing the need for mechanical cooling in the region’s warm climate. The placement of the house on the hill allows for natural drainage, while the glazing is carefully oriented to optimise light and ventilation. The subtle design choices not only enhance comfort but also demonstrate an awareness of ecological challenges with minimal impact.

The spacious social area is punctuated by three distinct sculptural pillars, including a triangular fireplace that becomes a dramatic focal point, radiating warmth and visual intrigue. A rectangular hollow column, on the other hand, discreetly houses the refrigerator and pantry, preserving a simple form. Meanwhile, a gracefully curving, rounded staircase—illuminated by an overhead skylight; hints at movement and transition, echoing the organic flow of the adjacent terrain.

The animated space culminates on a circular terrace, reached by an organic pathway that meanders toward a slender bridge. This elevated outdoor enclave transforms the roof into a livable landscape, offering uninterrupted 360-degree views of the reservoir and the silhouette of the iconic rock. Nature and design coalesce in this rooftop oasis into an immersive experience where light, time and allure merge organically.

The interplay of concrete’s endurance and timber’s warmth enriches the experience of the belvedere. “The man-made stone [concrete] provides a sense of comfort and security, much like a cave, while the imprint of the wooden formwork lends the warmth of a forest cabin,” Arango proclaims. “The underside of the concrete slabs captures reflections of sunlight from the water below, keeping its presence felt throughout the house. This shimmering reflection softens the materiality, subtly dematerialising both the surfaces and the space itself,” she continues telling STIR. This subtle effect allows the contemporary residence to fluidly transition between the solidity of a cave, the amiability of a forest cabin and the elusive sensation of being underwater.

However, during construction, exposed concrete as a primary material brought many challenges for the house that demanded precision and ingenuity. Embedding electrical conduits, integrating steel reinforcement and aligning window frames and sockets demanded meticulous coordination, highlighting the precision required at every stage of construction.

The design team delineates, “The most significant challenge specific to this project was logistical: it was impossible to bring a concrete mixer to the site for most of the pours. As a result, concrete was painstakingly carried up the steep hill, showcasing the dedication and collaboration of the construction team to overcome logistical obstacles.” Moreover, achieving the curvature of the staircase enclosure using horizontal wooden shuttering pushed the boundaries of conventional methods. In the face of these obstacles, each challenge was alchemised into an opportunity for visionary adaptation, reflecting Atelier García’s commitment to innovative design.

The minimalist palette of the residential building, dominated by raw greys and accented by nature’s greens and reflective blues, reinforces its harmonious discourse with the environment. Meanwhile, the overlapping geometries of the concrete architecture, from the triangular layout to the cylindrical staircase and circular terrace, balance robust materiality with the nuanced interplay of natural light and landscape.

The thoughtful integration of design elements in Concrete House reflects the studio’s philosophy of honouring the present moment. This guiding principle draws inspiration from architects like Louis Kahn, Luis Barragán and Peter Zumthor, as well as the contemplative art of Richard Serra and Agnes Martin. The result is an architecture that feels both enduring and deeply personal. “We believe that looking toward the future inevitably involves carrying traces of the past, making it a subjective exercise. Rather than speculating about the future, we are focused on responding to the present as honestly as possible, trusting that an authentic response will remain relevant over time,” the Colombian architects contemplate.

Project Details

Name: Concrete House
Location: Guatapé, Colombia
Architect: Atelier García
Lead Design Team: Clara Arango, Orlando Garcia
Area: 120 sqm
Year of Completion: 2023