timber facades and sheltering eaves define casa del bosque by A20 arquitectos

architecture studio a20 arquitectos uses timber facades to help this holiday home blend into its forested setting in the dominican republic. called casa del bosque, the project was designed as a spatial manifestation of the ‘comfort and warmth of family.’

casa del bosque is nestled deeply within the dominican forest and features a natural palette that mirrors its lush surroundings. the project was inspired by the client’s strong memories of hikes throughout the site, which manifests itself through a composition of heavy cast masses and intertwined sheltering eaves.

dominating the circulation through the house, a20 arquitectos wanted to provide moments of privacy to contrast the airy extensions which reach out to the surrounding landscape on the spaces dedicated to pause. slightly circuitous routes that allow for the mental immersion of the users to regress into a contemplative and calm state.

casa del bosque is situated on a sloped site but moved off the crest of the hill, which makes it feel more of an intimate part of the natural landscape. large masses made from natural rock form the foundations on which the rest of the house is built.

the interior portions of the house seek to dissolve seamlessly into the exterior through an organic and unifying material palette. the natural wooden screen envelope serves as a shading device that echoes the rhythm of the trees surrounding the site and demarks the cradled space of the home.

the main level of the house is entered on the north side through an entry staircase and then through a foyer which brings nature into the house. the kitchen, living room, and dining room, are connected to create a grand space for entertaining and the bedrooms are arranged in a way that maximizes guest privacy while embracing views out to the surrounding paisaje.

project info

project name: casa del bosque
architecture firm: a20 arquitectos srl
firm location: dominican republic
completion year: 2019
gross built area: 740m2
project location: jarabacoa, dominican republic
lead architects: luis sabater and alex gormley
design team: luis sabater, alex gormley, and jason wu
clients: private
engineering: constructora marte y castillo
landscape: massiel mejía arquitectura de paisaje
consultants: logic net dr
construction administration: ing. juan manuel cuevas
furniture and decor: samantha aseret (sb interiors)
photo credits: luis sabater musa