Quoting Louis Kahn, “The sun did not know how great it was until it hit the side of a building.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of Earth Box, a project where dreams, needs, and available resources converge to create something truly remarkable.
Concept and Creation
At the heart of Earth Box lies the fundamental equation: Dreams + Needs + Available resources = Project. Faced with the challenge of materializing desires within a limited budget, Equipo de Arquitectura embarked on the journey of establishing an architecture office. The process began with the innovative use of available and reclaimed materials, including earth, recycled glass, and formwork wood.
Design Features
The architectural experiment unfolded by weaving these materials together amidst the natural surroundings of two existing trees: the sneak, delicately framed outside, and the guavirá, providing companionship within the space.
Rammed earth walls, measuring 0.30 meters thick, serve as the foundational element, supporting the weight of the slab. Remarkably, the slab rests atop the walls without any anchoring or mooring, capitalizing on the inherent structural strength of the material. A 10-centimeter protrusion of the walls outside not only hides the slab but also defines the exterior space, creating a seamless transition between inside and outside.
Innovative Use of Materials
Resourcefulness extends to the furnishings and fixtures within Earth Box. Furniture and doors crafted from phenolic plates, originally utilized in the formwork of the slab, exemplify the ethos of sustainability and repurposing. The library, strategically detached from the walls, allows light to permeate through, accentuating the office space while showcasing books and paintings as cherished treasures.
Atmosphere and Experience
Beyond its architectural elements, Earth Box cultivates an atmosphere steeped in sensory experiences. The ambiance is shaped by the melodious strains of jazz, the soothing scent of incense, and the rich aroma of freshly ground coffee. In this holistic environment, where light constructs time and gravity defines space, Earth Box emerges as a sanctuary for creativity and contemplation.
Through inventive design solutions and a keen appreciation for the interplay between materials and nature, Equipo de Arquitectura has transformed Earth Box into more than just an office space—it’s a testament to resourceful architecture and the boundless possibilities that arise when creativity meets constraints.
