Wills House: A Harmonious Blend of Architecture and Nature by Yemail Arquitectura

The Intersection of Architecture and Nature

Wills House, located on the edge of a hill in Guasca, Colombia, presents an architectural marvel that marries modern design with the natural landscape. Situated at an altitude of 2,566 meters above sea level, this cabin overlooks the valley of Cota in the savannah of Bogotá. The design philosophy behind the house draws inspiration from an earlier project, a butterfly-cut cabin built in 2007 in Sisga, marking the foundation of Yemail Arquitectura. With a focus on simplicity and respect for the environment, the Wills House exemplifies a refined approach to cabin living those honors both the materials of the built world and the natural world around it.

The Design: A Response to the Landscape

Wills House is strategically positioned to take full advantage of its surroundings. It faces a lush forest that shields it from the eastward winds, and its orthogonal volume is oriented towards the west to capture sweeping views of the distant landscape. The undulating terrain dictated the need for stilts, elevating the structure above the ground and ensuring stability while respecting the natural topography. This attention to the land’s natural flow creates a harmonious relationship between architecture and nature, a central tenet of the house's design.

Interior Design: A Unified Space

The interior of Wills House is designed around the concept of simplicity and functionality. A molded bar, central to the layout, defines the space and acts as the focal point for the interior environment. The living room, dining area, and kitchen are seamlessly integrated into a continuous space that extends out onto an outdoor deck, floating at the steepest point of the property. This connection between the indoors and outdoors offers a dynamic visual experience, where the ever-changing weather and landscape outside become part of the home's daily rhythm.

On either side of the central living space are private areas – bedrooms enclosed in wooden boxes that offer privacy and seclusion. These boxes also house closets, further enhancing the sense of depth and seclusion while contributing to the modulated wooden windows, which are heavily influenced by Japanese architectural principles. The bedrooms provide a quiet retreat from the shared living spaces, with views that connect occupants to the serene landscape.

Architectural Features: A Conversation Between Materiality and Nature

The cabin’s design incorporates both modern and traditional elements, creating a distinct aesthetic that feels timeless yet contemporary. A key feature of the house is its gabled volume with eaves, which is offset by an anomaly: a double-height exposed brick cylinder. This architectural gesture adds weight and substance to the otherwise lightweight wooden box, grounding the structure while providing a visual counterpoint. The brick cylinder also serves as a functional space, framing the entrance and guiding visitors through the vestibule into the heart of the home.

The structure is built using materials that respect the local environment. Annealed clay roof tiles reflect the coppery hues of the setting sun, while the interior features trusses made from tecumanii pine, which are left exposed between white walls. This raw materiality creates a sense of warmth and connection to the natural world. The use of natural materials, like pine and clay, is reminiscent of traditional peasant housing, offering a “poetics without rhetoric,” as described by the Smithsons. The architectural choices are less about style and more about an intellectual appreciation of the materials, offering a timeless connection to the land.

The Role of Craftsmanship and Community

The spirit of the materials used in the construction of Wills House is brought to life by the hands of Arbey, the foreman who is intimately familiar with the local landscape and materials. His craftsmanship ensures that the natural essence of the house is preserved, imbuing the structure with a sense of authenticity. The experience of inhabiting the house is further enriched by the presence of María, León, and Anabel, whose daily lives breathe warmth and life into the space.

Wills House as an Architectural Testament

Wills House stands as a testament to the power of architecture to create a meaningful relationship with the environment. Its minimalist design, use of natural materials, and respect for the surrounding landscape make it a true example of contemporary cabin living. By blending traditional forms with modern architectural principles, Yemail Arquitectura has created a home that not only serves its function but also inspires a deeper connection to the land and the materials that shape our built environment.

All Photographs are works of Mateo Pérez