Casa Hogar
Istmina, Colombia — 2019
EQUIPO:
Santiago Osorio
Mauricio Suarez
Carlos Darío Peña
The project is strategically organized into dispersed modules across the site, optimizing both natural ventilation and solar exposure. Each module is designed with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, featuring fine mesh instead of glass to prevent insects while allowing for optimal airflow and continuous cross-ventilation, essential for comfort in the humid climate. The modules also incorporate elevated roofs with skylights and upper-level ventilation, facilitating the expulsion of hot air and maximizing natural light intake. These roofs extend beyond the perimeter, creating protective corridors that shield the walls from sun and rain. All these strategies enhance occupant comfort, health, and overall well-being.
The project prioritizes the use of locally available materials, significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation. From the outset, rainwater collection has been integrated, which not only supports the construction process but also serves as an active system for the modules' operation. The project also incorporates the use of local wood for the construction of doors, windows, and external wall finishes. The roofs and electrical systems are designed to accommodate solar panels in later stages of the project, reducing energy consumption. This strategy reflects a commitment to sustainability by optimizing resources, reducing environmental impacts, and promoting a replicable model for sustainable communities.
The project is situated in a region historically impacted by illegal mining. A key design goal is to establish a village that rehabilitates the natural environment affected by this activity. The built modules will be integrated with new tree plantings of local and native species, alongside designated cultivation areas to support the village’s needs. The development of these green spaces will create a sanctuary for local wildlife. Additionally, a lake and water features will be incorporated to further enhance the ecosystem. The dispersed arrangement of the modules fosters a strong connection with nature, promoting a healthy and harmonious living environment for its inhabitants.
The project is situated in a region historically impacted by illegal mining. A key design goal is to establish a village that rehabilitates the natural environment affected by this activity. The built modules will be integrated with new tree plantings of local and native species, alongside designated cultivation areas to support the village’s needs. The development of these green spaces will create a sanctuary for local wildlife. Additionally, lakes and water features will be incorporated to further enhance the ecosystem. The dispersed arrangement of the modules fosters a strong connection with nature, promoting a healthy and harmonious living environment for its inhabitants.
The project was developed through participatory design workshops, involving the girls from the indigenous and Afro-descendant communities who will reside in the Casa Hogar village, as well as local volunteers. Through drawings, discussions, and creative activities, participants were able to express their ideas and wishes for the project. This collaborative process allowed the community to guide and inform the final design through successive meetings, ensuring the project aligned with their needs and aspirations. This inclusive approach not only strengthens the community's connection to the project but also ensures its sustainability and cultural relevance.
The project provides housing for girls from indigenous and Afro-descendant communities in remote areas, offering them protection from social threats like kidnapping, forced recruitment, and human trafficking, while ensuring access to education, healthcare, and other essential services. Focused on empowering young women, it aims to foster future leaders who will become agents of change within their communities. Designed as a self-sustaining village, the project includes agricultural areas and spaces for craft development, promoting a strong bond with the land. Additionally, the management of green spaces supports ecosystem restoration and soil recovery from illegal mining. The educational facilities will also benefit the wider community.
The project is being developed through donations managed by the supporting foundation. Its long-term goal is to achieve economic self-sustainability by nurturing community-led initiatives that enhance local commerce and self-sufficiency, utilizing on-site cultivation and the development of the community's artistic and craft skills. This strategy not only guarantees the project's financial stability but also empowers the community, fostering autonomy and driving local economic growth in harmony with the environment and its needs. Ultimately, it aims to transform the local social paradigm, paving the way for a more promising and sustainable future.
Recognizing the cultural origins of the girls who will inhabit the project, the design integrates elements of both indigenous vernacular architecture and traditional Afro-descendant architecture from the region. Through community workshops, key aspects of these cultures were incorporated, such as geometric patterns and vibrant colors. The use of wood in windows, doors, and facade finishes—once a widespread technique now in decline due to industrialization—is revived and enhanced within the project. Additionally, the form of the modules, including their roofs, height, and the permeability of the windows, draws inspiration from traditional indigenous structures, creating a harmonious connection with local architectural heritage.
