2024 - Terrazas de Usme

The “Terrazas de Usme” project begins with an exhaustive research and analysis of the Usme sector, located in the city of Bogotá. During this phase, we explored various aspects of the local lifestyle, including the commercial environment, daily activities, demographics and housing needs identified through the housing analysis. The project is designed for families of rural origin known for their culture and rooted customs who are vitally involved in working directly with the land and nature, based on family and community labor. Therefore, the housing is planned for 4 members. This approach allowed us to design two-family dwellings consisting of two two-story residential units, each offering a complete home for two families.

As a concept, several key aspects were incorporated; tranquility, since the place where the project was implanted is a rural space surrounded by green areas which offer a serene and ideal environment for the comfort of the individual in their daily lives, comfort, because the spaces are organized in a way that facilitates movement and optimizes the use of each area, the union because it allows the harmonious integration of the different spaces and elements of the house to create a functional environment, finally, fluidity, with the aim of designing places in a versatile way to adapt to different activities and needs. With these aspects it is possible to represent vitality and calmness in the houses.

Similarly, another relevant factor for the design and construction is the lighting and its incorporation in each space, in which the needs and preferences of the inhabitants are considered, such as energy efficiency and long-term sustainability. For this reason, each home includes a main room which welcomes the user with serenity and comfort in such a way that provides a gentle breeze flowing through the large windows flooding the room with the quality of sunlight. In addition, there are two auxiliary rooms, each carefully designed for comfort. Also, an auxiliary bathroom and another located in the master bedroom, these are well equipped combining utility, style and comfort to create a space that becomes an enjoyable experience. The living room is the heart of the home, where family and friends gather to relax, converse and enjoy moments together and being well lit is a haven of comfort and style creating an intimate atmosphere to enjoy moments of tranquility and entertainment creating a cozy and versatile place, also during the day creates a play of light because it has a large window that creates an oasis of light and serenity where you can enjoy the beauty of the outdoors from the comfort of the interior. The dining room, creates a warm and elegant atmosphere to share meals and special moments in company, also, the lighting has an important role in the functionality during meals, because it provides a uniform and concentrated light to illuminate the area. On the other hand, in the kitchen there is a horizontal elongated window, located above the sink and countertop, helps the activities that take place in the space, such as washing dishes or preparing food, by providing better visibility and amplitude and natural light flows unobstructed inside the kitchen highlighting the details of the design. In the studio there is a glass wall leading to a mini-garden so that it does not generate distraction, but on the contrary tranquility and inspiration, but generating lighting to reduce visual fatigue, improve mood and general wellbeing. to reduce eyestrain, improve mood and overall well-being. Also, there are elongated but narrow windows located in the study and rooms that are fundamental in the architectural design by providing natural light, panoramic views, a distinctive element and privacy, allowing the entrance of itself without compromising the visibility from the outside, provide a touch of elegance and modernity. The skylights were introduced to the roof of the project in order to increase the exposure to natural light through a pleasant filtered light and with a focal point effect. Therefore, the combination of natural light during the day and soft artificial lighting at night can create a warm and cozy atmosphere during each living space.