House No. 41, designed for Tristan Burfield, is located in the interior of the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria. This region is recognized for its rustic appeal and has a pleasant climate, characterized by a high rainfall index.
House No. 41, designed for Tristan Burfield, is located in the interior of the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria. This region is recognized for its rustic appeal and has a pleasant climate, characterized by a high rainfall index.
The area stands out not only for its natural characteristics but also as a gastronomic and wine reference point. The production of wines such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay is notable, in addition to the presence of farms dedicated to truffle and red fruit harvesting.
In addition to agricultural and enogastronomic activities, the location offers markets and various hiking trails, promoting a tranquil and unhurried way of life with a strong emphasis on outdoor activities.
The Casa El Arca / Mallol project is situated in a mountainous area, more than 2,000 meters above sea level, on the slopes of the Barú volcano. This region is notable for the production of Geisha coffee, a globally exclusive variety cultivated in the territory itself.
The building was conceived in close collaboration with local artisans Amílcar and Abdiel Rodríguez, whose skills in wood carpentry were crucial from conception to the final touches. The pavilion features a unique curved roof that encompasses all functions of the space. This continuous structure protects against frequent rains and the constant climatic changes typical of the mountainous zone, creating a distinct presence in the landscape.
The project's shape is inspired by the silhouette of a dry leaf fallen on the ground, which gave the enterprise its name and defines the curved arch that stands out among the surrounding tree canopy. The areas designated for rest, meals, and socializing are arranged on a single level under this roof, offering privileged views of the misty forest, the gardens, and the nearby river.
All the main material used in the project was sourced locally or in its immediate surroundings. Cedar, a native species of the property, was used in the structure, wall cladding, flooring, and exposed ceiling. The choice of local wood eliminated the need for external supply chains, making the construction material mirror the environment in which it is inserted.
The carpentry was executed manually by artisans from the highlands of Chiriquí, whose experience with cedar guided every detail and finish. The exterior was fitted with tiles to maintain material coherence with the wooden structure and to withstand severe climatic conditions, such as rain, fog, and daily temperature fluctuations. Paths, terraces, and exterior surfaces were made with locally extracted stones.
During the planning phase, a large rock found on the site was intentionally preserved instead of being removed. Consequently, the architectural volume was built around it, integrating it into a central internal garden. This rock is surrounded by endemic vegetation and illuminated from the base, visible also from the riverbank through the glazed facades. This decision established the organizing principle of the project: adapting the construction to what already existed on the site, rather than imposing a predefined configuration.
The external landscape reinforces this philosophy of respect. The gardens blend native species with introduced vegetation, creating a progression of approach even before reaching the building. A river runs along the edge of the property without being diverted or channeled, and the sound of the water permeates all interior spaces, establishing a constant auditory link between the architecture and its natural context.
By using cedar from the farm itself, extracting stone locally, and exclusively hiring artisans from the highlands of Chiriquí, the project ensured that the entire production chain and labor remained in the region. This strategy ensured that the economic gains generated by the construction stayed in the territory and that the technical knowledge incorporated into the work belonged to the community responsible for its realization.
