Huacho Oak House by Hebra Arquitectos merges forest and architecture
Nestled deep in the native forest of Huacho, Peru, Huacho Oak House by Hebra Arquitectos is a striking example of contemporary residential design harmonized with nature. Originally envisioned as a second home for a sculptor and a psychologist seeking tranquility and creative inspiration, the dwelling evolved during the pandemic into their primary residence. This shift influenced the completion of both planned construction stages simultaneously, resulting in a cohesive architectural statement that merges functional zoning with poetic spatial experiences.
The design of Huacho Oak House unfolds over three structural layers, each distinct yet deeply interconnected. At the ground level, a robust concrete plinth forms the base. This foundational layer houses an entry hall, an art studio, and a psychologist’s studio, as well as two sheltered parking spaces. It acts as a grounding element for the elevated components, both literally and metaphorically, offering stability and privacy beneath the house’s expressive upper floor.
Above the plinth lies the main living level, an H-shaped layout that cleverly divides the space into two distinct bars, one for communal activities and another for private bedrooms. These wings are united by a transparent bridge that not only links spaces but also creates dual courtyards below.
These voids serve to bathe the interiors in natural light and provide acoustic separation between the social and intimate areas. The layout’s emphasis on visual permeability ensures that every corner of the house maintains a visual connection to the forest canopy, reinforcing the sense of immersion in nature.
Huacho Oak House’s perimeter walls on this level are primarily translucent, taking full advantage of the forest’s natural light and views. On the inner facades, large glazed openings blur the boundaries between inside and outside. Meanwhile, the outer facades are sheathed in warm wooden paneling, adding a tactile quality and helping the home blend seamlessly into the surrounding environment. This dual-material strategy enhances solar control and privacy while creating a unified exterior aesthetic.
Topping the structure is the Huacho Oak House’s expressive V-shaped roof, designed with metal beams to deliver both architectural drama and practical benefits. The peaked shape provides maximum interior volume and encourages natural light penetration while channeling rainwater efficiently into the courtyard voids below. This roof, like the rest of the construction, features exposed metal framing, deliberately revealing the building’s structural honesty and lending a sense of lightness to the elevated forms.
The use of a regular grid for the original two-phase design allowed for scalable growth and architectural clarity. Even though both stages were ultimately built at once, this methodical planning underpins the home’s sense of order and rhythm. The steel skeleton, combined with glass and wood, results in a minimal yet expressive material palette that aligns with both the forest context and the creative spirit of its inhabitants.
All images by Marcos Zegers, with courtesy of Hebra Arquitectos
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