Greenhouse House 23: Adaptive Reuse in La Calera
Yemail Arquitectura transforms a ruin into a functional residential space in Colombia.
1Project Overview and Location
Greenhouse House 23 is a residential project completed in 2025 by Yemail Arquitectura. Located in La Calera, Colombia, the structure occupies a total area of 51 square meters. The design focuses on the adaptive reuse of an existing ruin, transforming a neglected site into a functional and modern living space.
2Design Philosophy of Ruins
Lead architect Antonio Yemail views the project as a dialogue between construction and demolition. By treating the ruin as a material and temporal inventory, the design team avoids the symbolic violence often associated with site clearance. This approach preserves the history of the location while facilitating a new architectural intervention.
3Material and Structural Choices
The construction utilizes steel and brick as primary materials to stabilize and redefine the existing space. LA CORONA CARPINTERIA METALICA SAS provided the necessary metal components for the structural framework. These materials were chosen to balance the raw aesthetic of the original ruin with the requirements of a contemporary residential home.
4Collaborative Design Team
The project was executed by a multidisciplinary team led by Antonio Yemail, with design contributions from Daniel Molina. Engineering and consulting services were provided by Mauricio Velázquez to ensure structural integrity during the renovation process. The collaboration highlights the technical precision required to integrate new elements into a pre-existing, weathered structure.
5Context of Adaptive Reuse
Adaptive reuse projects like Greenhouse House 23 prioritize the preservation of existing building stock over complete demolition. By repurposing the 51-square-meter footprint, the architects minimize waste and retain the site's original character. This method is increasingly relevant in modern residential architecture, where sustainability and historical continuity are highly valued.
6Visual Documentation and Media
The architectural documentation of the project was captured through photography by Bé estudio, Paola Pabón, and Santiago Beaumé. These images showcase the interplay between the exposed brickwork and the new steel additions. The visual record serves as a testament to the transformation from a state of decay to a habitable environment.
7Technical Specifications Summary
The project is categorized under residential architecture and refurbishment. With a compact area of 51 square meters, the design maximizes efficiency through careful spatial planning. The use of specific manufacturers for metalwork underscores the importance of specialized craftsmanship in executing complex adaptive reuse designs within a limited physical footprint.
8Significance of the Intervention
Greenhouse House 23 demonstrates how small-scale residential projects can challenge traditional notions of construction. By suspending the building between its past state and future utility, the architects create a unique living experience. This project serves as a case study for architects looking to balance historical preservation with modern living needs.
Original article: ArchDaily Global — Greenhouse House 23: Adaptive Reuse in La Calera