Salatino House by Sommet: An Architectural Marvel in Santa Cruz, Bolivia

House designed by Sommet seamlessly integrates into its natural surroundings, offering a stunning visual connection with the adjacent golf course. With a design that maximizes both aesthetics and functionality, the house spans an area of 790 m² and was completed in 2020. The architecture is defined by two perpendicular volumes, which create a dynamic and cohesive structure.

Design Concept:  The design of the Salatino House responds to the concept of spatial continuity between the house and its environment. By positioning the house to face the golf course, the outdoor space becomes an extension of the property’s private garden. This thoughtful orientation ensures that the landscape remains an integral part of the daily living experience.

Architectural Features: The home’s architecture is characterized by the clever use of overlapping volumes, separated by a concrete beam that adds structural and visual intrigue. Black metal beams frame the slabs, accentuating the intersection of the volumes while contributing to the overall complexity of the design. These elements, along with large glass windows and natural materials, create an open, airy atmosphere throughout the house.

Functional Layout: The house is divided into three distinct levels: the basement, ground floor, and upper floor. Each level serves a specific function:

• Basement: Dedicated to service areas, optimizing space usage.
• Ground Floor: The social heart of the home, housing the living room, dining area, kitchen, and barbecue area. A linear layout connects these spaces, promoting flexibility for both social gatherings and private moments.
• Upper Floor: The private area, with two en-suite bedrooms and a master suite that boasts panoramic views of the golf course. The strategic positioning of the staircase under a skylight ensures natural lighting floods the space, enhancing the overall aesthetic.

Innovative Design Elements: The Salatino House incorporates several innovative design elements to enhance comfort and privacy:

• Metal Sunshades: These sunshades surround the upper volume, offering protection from direct sunlight while maintaining privacy for the living areas.
• Wooden Lattice Facade: The ground-floor facade is adorned with a wooden lattice, providing warmth and character to the exterior, blending modern and natural materials harmoniously.

 The Salatino House by Sommet is a prime example of contemporary architecture that blends form, function, and nature. Its thoughtful design creates a perfect balance between private and social spaces, all while respecting and enhancing the natural beauty of its surroundings.

All Photographs are works of Paul Renaud