Concrete structure crosses the land

The ‘Trama House’, completed in La Molina, Peru, is attracting attention in the architectural world. This house, designed by 404 Arquitectura, measures 750 m2 and was completed in 2024.

The most unique feature of this house is that the concrete structure penetrates the site like a habitable beam. Diego Hernández Escribens and Israel Ascarruz, who were in charge of the design, carefully coordinated the shadows, thresholds, and the relationship between the mass and the courtyard through these structural elements.

Architectural choreography of light and shadow

At Trama House, 'Trama' means 'weave' or 'structure' in Spanish. Rather than simply dividing space, the architects designed it so that light and shadow change over time and provide rhythm to the daily lives of residents.

Although the heavy material of concrete can create a stuffy atmosphere, 404 Arquitectura strategically placed a patio to allow natural light to flow into the interior. These courtyards are not simply lighting devices, but function as transition spaces that blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors.

Titi Laurie was in charge of landscaping, structural engineering was handled by Impacta Design & Building, and facility engineering was handled by Planea Ingeniería y Construcción.

In the flow of Latin American residential architecture

Modern residential architecture in Latin America, especially Peru, has developed in a way that reflects the local climate and culture while using concrete as the main material. Brazil's tradition of brutalism, and Mexico's tradition of dealing with color and light since Luis Barragán, are being reinterpreted in their own way in Peru.

In this context, 404 Arquitectura reorganized the traditional spatial elements of the courtyard in a modern way while utilizing the physical properties of concrete. Trama House goes beyond a simple living space and is read as an architectural experiment that explores the relationship between structure and space, light and shadow.

Project Information

• Location: La Molina, Peru
• Area: 750㎡
• Completion: 2024
• Design: 404 Architectura
• Photo: Renzo Rebagliati