The Oslo-based architecture studio LCLA and Clara Arango have partnered to build Ballen House, a resort in the Andes Mountains in Colombia, which blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior, blurring the boundaries between architecture and nature. Set in a forested area at 2,100 meters above sea level, the two independent structures are connected by a path and a large garden. Originally, it may have been a larger house that was planned to consist of volumes distributed on a steep slope, with each volume uniquely positioned according to the terrain features of the landscape. Originally a canyon for cattle ranching, the site created the opportunity to reconfigure the landscape and design a new garden connecting the two structures.

‍
One house rises four meters above the ground and stands on a cruciform column, while the other - partially submerged - is defined by a retaining wall. These structural solutions create two different relationships with the slopes — one closer to the ground, feeling like a cave, the other towering and ventilated. Associated in the opposite way with slopes and carefully designed gardens, the two structures provide a completely different atmosphere. Although different, the two buildings share a common material through concrete formwork, stainless steel detailing, and repeated window profiles. Since the high-rise house is only 60 ㎡ and the longhouse has an area of 75 ㎡, LCLA and Arango use the same details and materials in the outdoor area as the interior to make the house feel more spacious.

‍
The garden is planted with species from higher climatic zones. Wild orchids, pineapples, and other small plants were selected for their similarity to high-altitude plants. In a really cold mountainous climate, it cultivates a wonderful array of plants. In the end, the two structures represent a separate house rather than living minimally, but an experiment that uses the garden as an extension to supplement the interior space.
‍

‍
Copyright Disclaimer: All articles on this site are original, copyrighted, and may not be reproduced in any form without permission (including but not limited to: media, websites, etc.) without permission. All project photos/design graphics are copyrighted by the original author. Some of the content on this site comes from public sources on the Internet or is shared by users. If it violates the legitimate interests of the original author, you can contact us for processing.