Schenkar Construction Featured In DESIGN HUNTER | MEXICO

Schenkar Construction has earned a prestigious feature on the cover of Design Hunter magazine

Schenkar Construction has been recognized for its achievements in sustainable architecture in Colombia, earning a prestigious feature in the latest issue of “Design Hunter” magazine. The magazine highlights Schenkar Construction’s commitment to personalized luxury living, showcasing a residence that epitomizes elegance and sustainability. With a focus on innovative design and meticulous craftsmanship, Schenkar Construction continues to redefine the standards of architectural excellence.

“Design Hunter” is a renowned publication that celebrates the best of architecture and design in Mexico and beyond. As a platform for creative inspiration and exploration, “Design Hunter” showcases cutting-edge projects, talented designers, and innovative trends in the world of architecture and design. With a focus on personalized luxury living and sustainable practices, “Design Hunter” serves as a trusted resource for design enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.

The original article is published in Spanish, but following is an English translation:

A wonderful residency in Guatapé, Colombia, shows an avant-garde approach to sustainable architecture. “The house is located in Guatapé, a jewel of the Andean region of Colombia just meters above sea level. It is a place that invites serenity and astonishment!” comments its architect.

The house is fully insulated to manage heat loss during the seasons and has solar panels for sustainable energy. Natural rainwater is collected in cisterns and the water is reused for irrigation or filtered with coal to obtain domestic drinking water. The roof was designed with recycled metal panels. As a “plus”, the television room has a starry ceiling that transforms the room into an environment of fairy tale under the stars, showcasing the versatility and charm of custom homes.

“Each of our houses IS A LUXURY PRODUCT that meets the architectural style desired by the clients, the interior layout, the space program, and THE EXACT interior design PROGRAM” -Alex Schenkar

The first floor features an open floor plan offering 180-degree of panoramic views of the lake and the El Peñol rock. Each room has a private en-suite bathroom and all rooms and floors offer views of the lake and the Andes mountains. The house enjoys a specific angle to capture both the sunrise and sunset on the same day. The architecture is based on innovative construction technologies, especially in the use of steel and glass.

The house is uniquely 80 percent cantilevered, over a steep 55-degree cliff, and offers panoramic views of the stunning landscape. The house’s color palette, which includes white, black, gray, and wood accents, along with custom furniture made in Bogotá, reflects a modern approach that seeks to maintain a diverse but coherent aesthetic. Schenkar pointed out that every home they build is a commissioned luxury product, specifically designed to meet the tastes and requirements of each customer, which means that no home is the same as another.

For colors: white, gray, black accented with wood paneling, gray cabinets, and white marble countertops. The furniture was custom-made in Bogotá with special fabrics and colors. For materials: concrete, steel, and glass were used. The house has custom natural stone floors, extracted from quarries in Colombia and imported marble Italian stone. The cabinets were custom-made, and the furniture and plumbing fixtures are German. All the lighting was purchased in Europe and the sheets, pillows, and linens were custom-made.

IN THE HEART of the Andean region of Colombia, specifically in Guatapé, a town that stands out not only for its color but also for its unique location in the Department of Antioquia, a residence emerges that redefines the integration of modern architecture with natural majesty. This exceptional project, created by Schenkar Construction, stands out for its engineering and modernist architectural design that incorporates quality and cutting-edge technology to create a work of personalized design and sustainable techniques.

The architectural style of the residence is modern, a tribute to the innovative construction technologies of the 20th century that make extensive use of steel, glass, and concrete. Schenkar, who studied architecture and urban planning at the University of Colorado, highlighted that his training and his travels around the world have influenced his architectural vision, and have allowed him to design houses that are not just structures, but true works of art integrated with the environment.

The house, designed in collaboration with GA Arquitectura and Construction of Bogotá, is a testimony of luxury and functionality. With 1,200 square meters distributed in two levels, the residence includes five bedrooms, four bathrooms, an office, and a cinema room, in addition to 600 square meters of outdoor terraces. “The residence is 80% cantilevered on a sloping cliff, providing uninterrupted views of the lake and mountains,” Schenkar explained. Open plan first floor and private suites in each room are just a few of the notable features that define this unique space.

In terms of sustainability, the house incorporates solar panels, complete thermal insulation, and a collection and filtration of rainwater system which ensures a minimal impact on the natural environment. The choice of materials also reflects a commitment to sustainability and luxury, since it uses Colombian natural stone, imported Italian marble, and German plumbing fixtures.

Construction of the house presented significant challenges due to the inaccessibility of the land and steep topography. “Everything had to be done by hand, from excavation to foundation,” Schenkar shared. This process took approximately 18 months, after two years of design and development.

Schenkar also noted that, although this home is unique, the design can be replicated in other parts of the world with the modifications that clients desire. This underlines the versatility and adaptability of Schenkar Construction to serve a global clientele. This project in Guatapé is proof of the firm’s ability to combine luxury, functionality, and sustainability in exceptional designs that can be adapted and replicated globally.