2024 - URBAN OASIS/WINGS OF LIGHT

Urban Oasis/Wings of Light
“A small modern touch to the founding historic center of Usme”

Located in the heart of the founding center of Usme, “Urban Oasis/Wings of Light” is located. A two-family corner home with a favorable location in all aspects, both aesthetic and greater exposure to natural light and exterior views due to its multiple sides. Open both internally and externally, it is located on 137 B South Street with 14th street.

The idea was born of how a place or said property is transformed into a versatile and rigorous project much more than four walls and a roof. It is a link between the community and its environment, an expression of the harmony between what is built and what is natural. It is a corner building that, by having multiple fronts open to the streets, benefits from greater exposure to the surrounding environment. This not only allows for better natural ventilation, but also facilitates the visual connection between the interior of the building and the outside world. This openness creates a feeling of spaciousness and connection with the urban environment.
Therefore, every aspect of this project has been carefully designed to maximize interaction with the environment. Open spaces invite the community to gather and share experiences, while vertical gardens and internal spaces bring nature to our doors.

I have chosen to create a structure that embraces its environment since being located at the intersection of two streets, the building becomes a focal point in the urban fabric and that harmoniously integrates with the street and at the same time celebrates its uniqueness. The large windows, strategically positioned, not only allow the entry of natural light, but also invite curious glances from the street to the interior, and vice versa. This transparency not only creates a feeling of openness and spaciousness, but also fosters the visual and emotional connection between the inhabitants of the house and the urban fabric that surrounds them.
From the beginning of this project, we set out to challenge the conventional limits of architecture and explore new ways of maximizing the potential of space and we opted for the famous porticos in particular that became that main tool, not only as a structural element, but as that vehicle for creativity and innovation.
The decision to incorporate porticos in particular was motivated by their unique ability to provide a solid and resistant foundation, while allowing unparalleled design freedom, also creating a sense of openness and fluidity that is experienced in every corner of the space. With its imposing presence and minimalist design, this load-bearing element becomes an architectural statement in its own right, an expression of strength and beauty that defines the essence of this project.
It is worth highlighting another relevant aspect that distinguishes this project is the incorporation of double heights; those elevated spaces not only add a vertical dimension to the design, but also amplify the feeling of spaciousness and luminosity that defines this house. These double heights allow a visual and spatial connection between the different levels, creating a feeling of continuity and fluidity that transcends physical and mental barriers.
These two important aspects not only provide that aesthetic flexibility, but also functional flexibility. These elements allow for a variety of spatial configurations and uses, from open and bright living areas to intimate and cozy spaces, this great versatility ensures that this house is truly a reflection of the needs and aspirations of its inhabitants, a space that can adapt and evolve along with them over time. Another relevant and visible aspect is the butterfly-shaped roof, which is the central and most distinctive element of the exterior design, with its outstretched wings. It seems to float above the house, creating a visually striking presence from any angle. The organic and fluid shape of the roof complements each other. with clean and modern lines in the rest of the structure, creating a harmonious balance between the natural and the contemporary.
The shape is not only an aesthetic statement, but also a functionally smart solution as these roof wings are designed to capture the maximum amount of sunlight during the day, providing natural lighting to the interiors thanks to the spacious openings and skylights strategically located in it, creating a feeling of spaciousness and freedom throughout the home thanks to the panoramic views of the sky and the surrounding environment through the skylights, a touch of serenity and connection with nature is added to each atmosphere. Reducing dependence on artificial lighting. In addition, the inclination of the cover allows for better cross ventilation, promoting a cool and comfortable interior environment at all times. At the core of this home we have an interior plot, this plot becomes the heart of the project, promoting interaction and a sense of community between both families.