In the quiet coastal community of Costa Esmeralda, a home has appeared among the pines. Designed by architect Luciano Kruk for a couple with children, this single storey structure settles into the landscape without disturbing its natural rise. What looks at first like a dark timber and concrete shelter quickly reveals a bright interior shaped by soft light, open views and a simple brief that guided every decision.
The clients wanted a house that felt different from previous projects by the same studio. Their main request was to reduce the amount of concrete and include materials that would soften the exterior. The result is a home wrapped in dark wood elements, set gently onto a trapezoid shaped site that rises toward the middle. Most of the existing pine and acacia trees were kept, allowing the natural topography to remain untouched.
A sloped pathway leads toward the front door, creating a calm transition from the street to the interior. The house sits on a thin podium that lifts it just enough to secure privacy while still connecting to the forest it shares with neighboring lots.
The moment you step inside, the mood shifts. While the exterior is wrapped in common pine wood treated with burnt oil, the interior is defined by board formed concrete used for walls, ceilings and shelving. Floor to ceiling windows and sliding glass doors bring natural light into every space and turn the social area into a gallery of crossed views that reach through the wooded surroundings.
The studio combined a crystal envelope with a metal frame structure and carefully balanced two construction systems. Kiri wood brightens the interior finishes, while the darker exterior coating creates a chromatic contrast that strengthens the sense of a soft shell protecting a bright core.
Sharing the same open area as the living room, the kitchen continues the theme of contrast. Smooth concrete is paired with high gloss black cabinets, giving the space a modern and simple look. Fixed furniture such as the dining table and kitchen counter was built in concrete for durability and minimal maintenance.
Natural ventilation moves through the glazed openings, and a skylight above the front bar brings light and air into the central bathroom. The home is equipped with radiant floors, air conditioning and stoves that support the overall comfort.
Behind the fireplace in the living room, a hallway leads toward the private end of the house. Two smaller bedrooms sit at one side, positioned to benefit from the connection to the surrounding trees.
At the opposite end is the master bedroom. The clients wanted this suite to feel independent, so the home was divided into two modules arranged in an L shape. This layout allowed the suite to have its own sense of privacy while still facing the open green space created by the plan.
Inside the room, a kiri wood accent wall and an open wardrobe soften the concrete. Sliding glass doors open to a deck that sits beneath the overhanging roof, giving the bedroom shade and a direct connection to the forest.
At the back of the house, the architects used common pine wood treated with burnt oil to break up the concrete surfaces. Decks made from au naturel quebracho wood were placed facing the woods. Exposed to the elements, these surfaces quickly took on a weathered look that matches the darkened skin of the exterior walls. The goal was to let the house settle into its wild setting without overpowering the landscape.
Ecuestre House stands as a clear response to the clients’ brief. It is a home shaped by a desire for simplicity, privacy and an honest relationship with the surrounding forest. With a dark exterior that protects a calm, bright interior, it offers a balanced way of living that feels rooted in the land while staying open to the light.