- Project: Casa Topo
- Architect: Martín Dulanto Sangalli
- Location: Peru, Lima
- Year: 2018
- Area: 1871 m2
- Photography: Renzo Rebagliati
An Eco-Conscious Approach to Contemporary Living
Casa Topo, designed by Martín Dulanto Sangalli, is a striking contemporary residence on the outskirts of Lima, Peru. The project was conceived with a clear premise: to minimize the building’s visual and environmental impact. By embedding the social and service areas underground and allowing the upper level to emerge as a pure wooden volume, the house appears smaller than it really is, subtly merging with the surrounding landscape of mountains and valleys.
The Duality of Levels
The design strategy relies on contrasting architectural expressions:
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Lower Level (Semi-Buried): The social and service areas are tucked into the terrain, with rustic, organic treatments that ground the house in its natural context. This level includes a terrace, pool, living room, kitchen, guest bathroom, service bedroom, laundry area, and patio. By sinking this floor into the earth, the architecture maintains a discreet presence, while still offering expansive social spaces that connect with the outdoors.
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Upper Level (Wooden Volume): Resting lightly above the terrain, the bedroom block is expressed as a large wooden box. Elevated above the semi-buried base, this volume serves as a natural viewpoint, capturing sweeping vistas of the lagoon and nearby stream. It accommodates the master suite with dual bathrooms, additional bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a guest suite, a living room, and storage.
This dual arrangement establishes a balance between earthbound solidity and elevated lightness, reinforcing the dialogue between nature and architecture.
Architecture in Harmony with Nature
By embedding itself into the ground, Casa Topo demonstrates a sensitive and sustainable approach to architecture. The rustic treatment of the underground level connects the residence to its terrain, while the refined wooden block above reflects contemporary simplicity. The juxtaposition makes the residence appear both integrated and sculptural, minimizing disruption to the environment while maximizing panoramic views.
The design allows the family to enjoy intimate indoor spaces and sweeping natural vistas simultaneously, achieving a home that is both protective and expansive.
A House as a Viewpoint
From the elevated bedrooms, the residents experience a continuous relationship with the surrounding topography. The wooden façade softens the building’s impact on the landscape while framing the horizon, transforming daily life into an act of contemplation of nature. Casa Topo becomes not only a dwelling but also a lens to experience Peru’s natural beauty.
