Скачать или смотреть Concrete Houses Within a Wild Garden | Ballen House

Ballen House, designed by LCLA Office and Clara Arango, sits high in the Andean forest of Colombia, offering two minimalist concrete volumes that respond uniquely to the dramatic terrain. One structure is suspended four meters above the ground on a single cross-shaped pillar, while the other is partially buried, acting as a retaining wall. This thoughtful design preserves the natural slope, creating a seamless connection between architecture and landscape.

Located at 2,100 meters above sea level in El Retiro, Colombia, the home blends raw concrete, custom glass frames, and stainless steel details to minimize maintenance and maximize harmony with nature. A curated high-altitude garden, inspired by the páramo ecosystem, weaves between the two buildings—linking them through outdoor spaces that extend the living experience beyond walls.

Discover how this house redefines the relationship between built form and natural surroundings through minimalism, topographic respect, and bold structural experimentation.

EL RETIRO / Square plan house LCLA Office

Credits:

Design: LCLA office with local architect Clara Arango
Landscape: LCLA office with Epifita and Clara Arango
Team LCLA office: Luis Callejas (partner in charge) Charlotte Hansson, Yousef Awwad
Structure design: GOG Consultoria
Construction: Constructiva
Location: Retiro, Colombia
Year: 2021
Photographs: Luis Callejas