ghezzi novak shades idyllic retreat in pisco desert with sloping eucalyptus hardwood roof

ghezzi novak reveals retreat in the pisco desert

Lima-based architecture studio Ghezzi Novak has completed this small, wood and brick home in the serene landscape of the coastal Pisco desert in Peru. Isolated among the surrounding natural context, this two-bedroom retreat is perched on the El Alamein olive grove. With its low-lying form, white-washed brick facade that echoes the clarity of the sand, and the eucalyptus hardwood roof, the home becomes an extensive shadow in seamless coexistence with the intensity and diversity of the Pisco desert.

all images by Ivan Salinero

16 sloping eucalyptus poles form the overhanging roof

With the design of the retreat in the Pisco desert, Ghezzi Novak sought to form a social connection with the home and the surrounding natural context. To begin with, the architects raised a sloping, overhanging roof which protrudes beyond the structure to form a small shaded patio space in the garden. Under this space, the climatic and scenic forces are capitalised, unifying spaces of different qualities including interior living, exterior terraces and pure extension. Made of 16 eucalyptus hardwood poles, the roof provides not only shelter and fresh shade from the harsh desert sun, but also a significant social value, becoming a place for the inhabitants of the home to gather, encouraging them to interact with the nature. The eucalyptus hardwood poles organize the structural order of the roof, and its cover is defined according to the degree of shade and proofing required below. Posts in the ground support the structure and serve as a guide for intertwining climbing plants.

Inside the home, the exposed brick walls have been coated in white, reflecting the bright sand of the desert within and enlivening the space. Ghezzi Novak architects incorporate windows with double-jamb wooden frames to seal the interiors from sand, particularly protecting from the dust storms which are common in the area. Brick is the construction unit of the interior enclosure, acting as a load-bearing and thermal mass element. The construction drawing is based on the proportions of the masonry unit in relation to the eucalyptus poles that run along the house connecting all layers of dwelling.

the two-bedroom home is perched on the El Alamein olive grove

a sloping, overhanging roof forms a small shaded patio space

wooden poles support the roof structure

Ghezzi Novak completes this small retreat in the coastal Pisco desert

the white brick facade reflects the bright sand of the desert, embedding the structure in nature

eucalyptus hardwood poles organize the structural order of the roof

the shaded patio becomes a social place to revel in the natural context

windows with double-jamb wooden frames seal the interiors from sandstorms

brick acts as a load-bearing and thermal mass element

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project info:

name: Retreat in the Pisco desert
architect: Ghezzi Novak
design team: Arturo Ghezzi Novak & Gustavo Ghezzi Novak

location: Pisco, Peru

completed: 2021

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom