Porch House

Architecture

Dominican Republic

2,500ft² / 240m²

Completed 2020

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The Porch House is a 4-suite guesthouse situated between the Retreat House and the Glitch House on the forested site of Casa Las Olas. The building sits on the edge of the only natural clearing on the lush 4.5-acre property; slightly removed from the shade of the dense jungle canopy, the building receives plenty of direct sunlight.

Taking cues from the landscape, the Porch House is designed around the natural clearing and two extraordinary old growth ficus trees dripping with symbiotic life. The building is a series of 4 identical suites unified under a single roof. The suites’ rotating orientations alternate views of each suite to align with one of the two trees. While the trees provide reference points to focus the view of each bedroom, the center of the clearing serves as the center of the arc of the unifying roof edge. Shaded areas between suites create private entry patios and a shared outdoor lounge.


Photography by Iwan Baan and Karla Read