Lamarilla Reforestation House by Quena Margarita Gonzalez Escobar & Juan David Hoyos Taborda

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Cerro Bravo, the Lamarilla Reforestation House by Quena Margarita Gonzalez Escobar and Juan David Hoyos Taborda is an evocative example of architecture deeply intertwined with ecological restoration. This project is more than a dwelling; it is a sustainable strategy and a call to action, designed to inhabit, nurture, and regenerate a fragile landscape marked by centuries of human intervention.

A Landscape Marked by Time and Transformation

Millions of years ago, stone fragmented from the earth’s core and punctured Cerro Bravo with primal force — a geological event that laid the foundation for a complex ecosystem. Over the centuries, human colonization reshaped this land: forests gave way to coffee plantations and mining operations, extracting productivity at the expense of biodiversity and ecological health.

The Lamarilla House is situated within this history, positioned as a guardian of the land, a participant in the ongoing story of reclamation and renewal. The architects envision the house not merely as shelter, but as a platform from which to engage actively with the ecosystem’s restoration.

Architecture as a Living, Breathing Part of Nature

Lamarilla takes shape as a light, elevated structure composed primarily of wood and clay, materials chosen for their renewability and harmony with the natural environment. Raised above the ground, the house minimizes disruption to the soil and local flora, embodying a respectful dialogue with the landscape.

Its form is a gentle, elongated line that orients itself towards the hill, establishing a quiet, contemplative presence. The building’s design is responsive to the cyclical rhythms of nature: it opens wide during planting seasons to welcome caretakers and closes at night, providing a cozy refuge accompanied by the soundscape of frogs and wetland life.

A Flexible, Compact Home for Reforestation Efforts

The house is organized with efficiency and adaptability in mind, tailored to the needs of its inhabitants who work closely with the land. The ground floor includes a multifunctional space serving as living, dining, and sleeping areas; an open kitchen that extends to an exterior deck used for nursery activities; and a bathroom that looks out onto a private, natural landscape.

A loft above offers additional sleeping quarters, making the structure compact yet comfortable. The external deck plays a critical role in the daily life of the residents, facilitating hands-on interaction with seedlings, plants, and restoration work. This seamless integration of living and working spaces exemplifies a lifestyle embedded within the ecosystem.

A Model for Sustainable Architecture and Ecological Stewardship

At its core, Lamarilla Reforestation House exemplifies how architecture can be a tool for environmental education and sustainable practice. By employing renewable, low-impact materials and minimizing the building’s footprint, the architects have crafted a design that responds to the urgent challenges of climate change and habitat degradation.

The project is conceived as a transferable model — a template that can be adapted to various sites requiring reforestation and conservation. It invites inhabitants to live immersed in the environment they seek to protect, fostering a deep, reciprocal relationship between humans and nature.

Harmonizing with the Natural and Cultural Landscape

The design embraces the concept of “architecture of place,” understanding the natural environment as the foundational layer upon which culture and built form are developed. Lamarilla respects and enhances the local ecology, recognizing that the future health of the region depends on reconnecting with and regenerating native ecosystems.

Seasonal changes come alive in the house’s surroundings: birds feast on guavas, bees and insects pollinate flowers and grasses in the clearings, and the presence of wildlife such as bears is honored. This dynamic interplay of species underscores the house’s role as a catalyst for biodiversity.

Conclusion: Architecture as a Steward of Life and Land

The Lamarilla Reforestation House is an architectural manifestation of hope and responsibility. It is a humble yet powerful contribution to the urgent global imperative of sustainability — demonstrating that thoughtful, site-specific design can foster ecological recovery, enrich human experience, and create new narratives of coexistence.

By bridging shelter, stewardship, and reforestation, the project stands as a blueprint for how architecture can help heal landscapes, inspire communities, and cultivate resilient futures for both nature and humanity.

Photography: Alejandro Arango