Isla Siape , Magdalena, Colombia
Casa Pescador
Casa Pescador is a 300 sqft affordable housing project for Colombian fishermen, designed for the 2025 Tiny House Competition, featuring recycled and sustainable materials, an off-grid system that eliminates the need for heating or cooling through passive ventilation strategies, and minimal electricity use limited to essential appliances like a stovetop and fridge.
Purpose
The purpose of Casa Pescador is to provide an affordable, sustainable, and self-sufficient living space for Colombian fishermen, addressing both economic and environmental challenges. Designed to minimize dependence on external resources, the house utilizes passive cooling and ventilation, eliminating the need for mechanical systems while ensuring comfort in a tropical climate. By incorporating recycled and locally sourced materials, Casa Pescador promotes sustainable construction practices and reduces environmental impact. This project aims to demonstrate how thoughtful design can create resilient, off-grid housing solutions that support coastal communities and their way of life.
Materiality and Interior
Casa Pescador embraces a material palette that is both sustainable and deeply rooted in the local context. The house is accessed exclusively via the fisherman’s boat, with a small balcony serving as a seamless transition between the water and the home. Traditional wooden accordion doors, commonly found in the region, enclose the entrance, providing both security and adaptable ventilation by allowing fresh breezes to cool the interior. The structure relies on locally sourced wooden beams for support, while the walls repurpose abandoned shipping containers from the nearby Magdalena River port, reducing waste and embracing a circular economy approach. The roof is crafted using a time-honored technique of weaving dried palm fronds, offering natural insulation and protection from the elements. Inside, the bedroom walls are lined with woven wicker fabric, sourced from local artisans, adding a warm aesthetic while enhancing insulation. Through this material strategy, Casa Pescador seamlessly integrates into its environment, fostering a connection between tradition, sustainability, and modern functionality.
