Haras House / Cinco Sólidos

In the magnificent and mountainous region of Rionegro, Colombia, the architectural practice of Cinco Sólidos has brought forth a project that resembles a sculpture which, at the same time, can be lived in, rather than a conventional house. Haras House is a demonstration of the minimalist style inspired by Brutalism, with the downturn of heavy concrete and steel coexisting with a surprising and almost heavenly lightness.

The house, at first sight, looks like a citadel of secrecy. Its surface is characterized by a gradual geometrical placement—there are two huge rectangular volumes that intersect to produce a stunning profile. The architects have literally treated the “fifth facade”—the roof—with as much respect as the front door and have made it impervious to any view during the whole construction process by carpeting it with natural river stones to give the whole structure a look of being integrated when viewed from the mountaintops around. Besides, this tactic is a discreet tribute to the firm’s name (the five Platonic solids), considering every corner of the building as a completed face of a geometrical whole.

A Dialogue of Contrasts

The real wonder of the Haras House, nonetheless, is in the change that occurs inside. The moment one steps in, the “weight” that was felt from outside seems to evaporate. The living space comes out as a double-height area that opens up the built part of the environment to the Colombian nature.

One of the most captivating aspects of the project is a concrete column in the shape of a V that dives straight down into a pool with black Bali stone on the bottom. Apart from being a load bearing element of the upper portion, this feature plays the dual role of a visual counterpoint, its reflection in the dark water creating a feeling of stability that is anchored in this open-air area of socializing.

Material Honesty 

Cinco Sólidos has developed a “noble” methodology with materials, and Haras House is not different. The implementation of vertical concrete cladding and cold aluminum facades is compensated and made more human through the application of American oak veneer throughout the house. The staircase—an artwork in its own right—winding in the middle of the house is wholly wrapped with oak veneer, and further concealed closets and doors, thus, bringing a much-needed warmth to the Brutalist outer layer. 

Invited Studio KP2 to collaborate on the space curation, and they persistently go for the organic texture scheme. Large-format cotton rugs and linen curtains provide a soft counterpoint to the raw concrete walls, proving that a home can be both monumentally grand and intimately cozy. 

The Layout: Privacy vs. Connection The three-dimensional zoning made by the 790-square-meter floor plan is a careful and precise practice.

The Social Core: The ground floor is exclusively devoted to socializing and is equipped with a ten-seat dining area, a modern kitchen, and a lounge that transitions into the pool area. 

Functional Sub-level: Secluded are the more utilitarian spaces—a gym with garden access, a home theater, and service quarters—ensuring the main living areas are always kept clean and tidy. 

The Intimate Wing: An oak-clad staircase leads one to a light-drenched corridor on the second floor. Here, vertical columns occur in a rhythmic sequence, permitting the sunlight to enter and at the same time securing the privacy of the main bedroom and the four secondary bedrooms.

Final Verdict 

Haras House is an exceptional case of architecture that is at the same time “loud” in its structural ambition and “quiet” in its daily experience. It gratifies the inhabitant’s wish for a sanctuary—a shelter that is impervious to the outside world and yet still open to the beauty of its natural surroundings. For those who like the mixture of bare material and elegant interior design, Haras House is a decisive standard for modern Colombian architecture.