2024 - Home among the hills

” Home Among the Hills: A Haven of Peace in the Heart of Usme”
A Tranquil Retreat in Usme’s Founding Center
Nestled amidst the vibrant urban fabric of Bogotá, Colombia, in the heart of the Usme district and the La Requilinia neighborhood, lies ”Home Among the Hills”, a haven of peace and harmony. This residential complex of six semi-detached houses, situated on Calle 137D Sur and Carrera 2ª.
Invites its inhabitants to immerse themselves in a tranquil ambiance conducive to reflection, rest, and a deep connection with nature, especially with light, hills and the sky. The area where it is located is designed as a zone far from the hustle and bustle of the city, promoting a calm and quiet environment.
The project’s architecture is characterized by its harmonious integration with the natural surroundings. The terrace’s silhouette, reminiscent of a hill, establishes a fluid dialogue between the dwellings and the majestic mountainous landscape that envelops them.
This connection with nature is reinforced by the large presence of windows that allow abundant natural light to enter and provide panoramic views of the hills, sky and city. It is a housing project conceived to offer a dignified and sustainable refuge to Usme peasants and those in a situation of forced displacement.
Designed to comfortably accommodate families of 3 to 4 members, the homes blend seamlessly into the natural environment, respecting the landscape and promoting a lifestyle connected to the land.
The heart of the project is a central house that functions as a cultural and training center. This multifunctional space serves as a meeting point for the community, where diverse cultural activities, workshops, courses, and agricultural advice can be held to help residents improve their agricultural practices, increase their productivity, and obtain higher incomes.

A Space for Family Life
Each home boasts three bedrooms, a living room, dining room, and kitchen (designed to maximize natural light and create a sense of spaciousness), a library, and a laundry area. The laundry area features skylights for enhanced illumination, both for productivity when working and for efficient clothes drying. Three bathrooms complete the living quarters, along with a balcony that invites natural light and offers a tranquil space to admire the surrounding landscape. A partially shared terrace serves as a lookout, expanding the living space and providing an ideal spot to relish the fresh air and scenic beauty. This warm and serene area fosters a connection with nature and light, whether under the covered or uncovered portion.
Recognizing the importance of the connection to the land for farming families, ”Home Among the Hills” project incorporates an outdoor space dedicated to cultivation. This urban garden area allows residents to grow their own food, fostering sustainable practices, reducing reliance on packaged products, and strengthening the bond with nature and with people, as the gardens are also a space for sharing among families.

Materials and Details that Provide Warmth and Comfort
Bricks become the main construction material, respecting the aesthetics of the surroundings and avoiding abrupt breaks with the context. The use of bricks gives the homes a warm and homely atmosphere, and also reduces the ecological footprint of the construction. Combined with the possibility of having an urban garden outdoors, it creates a connection with the raw material of the Earth.
Large windows maximize the entry of natural light, creating bright and warm spaces that reinforce the connection with the exterior and reduce the need for artificial light, saving energy. Elements such as Velux skylights add spaciousness, luminosity, and a distinctive touch to the architecture. The use of these elements seeks to break with typical roofs and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the covered area of the terrace, while the uncovered area offers unobstructed views of the hills, allowing residents to enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Beyond the homes, ”Home Among the Hills” project integrates a park that serves as a meeting point for residents and the educational community of the school located nearby. This green space promotes social interaction, recreation, and enjoyment of the outdoors, contributing to a vibrant and harmonious community environment. It also has a parking lot that prioritizes bicycle users, encouraging residents to use bicycles and thus avoid generating a negative impact on nature.

A Home in Harmony with Nature and the Community
”Home Among the Hills” stands as an innovative residential proposal that combines bioclimatic design, comfortable spaces, and connection with nature, all within an environment that promotes family life and social interaction. This project becomes a benchmark for sustainable and quality housing in the heart of the Usme district, a place of peace and harmony where families can build a prosperous future in connection with their natural and social environment.