Tucked between tropical dry forest and mountainous terrain in rural Barichara, Colombia, Casa La Palmita stands as a discreet presence within the landscape. The house was designed for a digital nomad and avid climber seeking a permanent base between his travels. The project is grounded in clear legibility: a home that adapts to the topography, built with local techniques and materials, and oriented towards a life largely lived outdoors. The surrounding nature remains constantly visible and sets the rhythm of daily use.
The design is by Colombian architect Natalia Rey, originally from Bogotá and founder of her own practice. Together with her team and local craftspeople, she has completed several projects in and around Barichara, a region shaped in part by reforestation and small-scale coffee production. Rey works with a strong focus on site-specific construction and explores how traditional methods can regain relevance in a contemporary context. Her practice is characterised by collaboration with local artisans and by a meticulous study of materials, climate, and terrain. 
The construction is based on the traditional bahareque technique, in which a timber structure is filled with reed and finished with earth plaster.
The programme of Casa La Palmita is compact and tailored to the resident’s way of life. A bedroom with an en-suite bathroom opens onto an outdoor shower featuring a restored bathtub, with views of the night sky. The house also includes a small kitchen with storage, a studio, and a second toilet. All spaces are connected by an open hallway in the form of a wooden deck that runs along the treetops and accommodates quiet activities such as yoga. From the terrace, which fully surrounds the house, expansive views unfold towards the Serranía de los Yariguíes. 
The construction is based on the traditional bahareque technique, in which a timber structure is filled with reed and finished with earth plaster. Materials such as wood, roof tiles, and earth from a previous building on the plot were reused for the walls and roof. The soil for the plaster was sourced directly from the site. As new timber was required for the joinery and deck, the owner committed to planting and maintaining one hundred trees. Six core materials remain visible in their natural state: stone, earth, wood, reed, iron, and concrete. 
Water plays a central role in the design. The plot is crossed by underground waterways that flow into a nearby stream and ultimately the Paramera waterfall. To protect these currents, the house was raised on stilts, limiting its impact on the ground. Rainwater is collected for reuse and to support ecological restoration, while a biological filtration system purifies wastewater before it seeps back into the soil. Indoors, natural plasters and locally crafted furniture create a tactile atmosphere that aligns with the character of the house: a dwelling shaped by its surroundings and enduringly connected to them.
Photography by Jan Kaiser
Text by Carolien Depamelaere