Project description by jury

By reinterpreting Colombian vernacular pitched roof structures, this design proposal suggests a residence for farmers living at high altitudes above 3000m above sea level that combines housing and agriculture by optimizing space and material selections. The building consists of two parts: an inner wooden volume that constitutes the main habitable area, and an additional translucent shell that functions as a second skin for the house while creating a contiguous greenhouse. The polycarbonate envelope not only enhances the thermal performance of the house but also enables a variety of produce to be grown despite the low temperatures of the region. The prototype is conceived as a flexible object that can be realized in different sizes depending on the needs of its occupants. Thanks to the electricity supply coming from a solar farm, the building is energy self-sufficient. Organic waste is used as a nutrient-rich compost fertilizer, rainwater is collected, and greywater is reused. 

Jury appraisal

The jury was fascinated by this smart energy-efficient rural house concept for Colombian farmers living at high altitude. Through its iconic and compelling geometry, the project proposes a sustainable and affordable way of living, mixing the domestic and vocational dimension, and creating a new sense of belonging for the community. The manner in which the design facilitates the connection between people and nature in this specific region, where weather conditions can be harsh, was considered a great asset of the project. 

The polycarbonate shell creates a buffer space that serves a three-fold objective: to provide an external yet enclosed living area, to enhance thermal comfort inside the building and to ensure appropriate growing conditions for vegetables. From a construction perspective, the jury appreciated the author’s choice with regard to the materials and the construction technique, which, while remaining simple and affordable, result in an exciting architecture.