Edificio Joya de Oakland

Located adjacent to a natural area in the heart of an urban residential neighborhood, and built on a plot of regular geometry with a diagonal slope toward the boundary with the natural area, the residential building was designed with both its plan and elevation based on straight and inclined geometries that emerge from the integration of the site with its natural surroundings.
The building consists of four levels, with the ground floor designated for pedestrian access and vehicular parking. This level occupies the entire area of the plot, allowing the parking space to remain visually integrated with the natural area and enabling natural ventilation to flow through the space. From the second to the fourth levels, the building houses nine apartments, all oriented toward the adjacent natural landscape, fostering a connection between residents and nature through balconies that respond to the angular geometry of the building’s boundary with its natural context.
The architectural floor plans are designed using straight and angular geometries, contributing to both the function and spatial organization of the building. The angled lines are aligned parallel to the neighboring natural area. The façades are composed of two volumes, both employing a design language of straight and angular lines consistent with the architectural plan. The main structural volume is defined by orthogonal geometry and is clad in brick, while the cantilevered volume features a more restrained geometry complemented by inclined angles that shape the balconies and give the building its architectural identity.
Two textures are applied to the façade: brick, representing integration with nature, and white ceramic elements that contrast with the brick, creating a striking visual effect that emphasizes the characteristic volumes of the design, derived from the natural form of the site.

Architect: Luis Pedro Cifuentes

Project Location: Colonia Oakland zona 10, Ciudad de Guatemala

Project Function: Residential

Built Area: 1,444 m2

Architectural Design: Luis Pedro Cifuentes

Planning: Horacio Monterroso, Maximiliano Zenteno

Execution and Supervision: Horacio Monterroso

Structure Engineer: Horacio Monterroso

Water Systems Engineer: Horacio Monterroso

Electrical Engineer: Horacio Monterroso

Photographer: Luis Pedro Cifuentes