With Casa Tres Árboles came a rare creative freedom, the freedom to propose dark walls for a couple with demanding careers who were seeking a weekend retreat overlooking the lake. The contrast between the exterior’s brightness and the interior’s dim light creates a threshold. Upon crossing it, the space invites one to retreat. After a trip to Tibet, the client had brought back a love for the orange and ochre hues of Tibetan monks’ robes. That color was reflected in the terracotta velvet cushions in the living room and in an overall palette of earthy tones, lending warmth to the space.

The materials reinforce this intention on every surface. Black microcement on floors and in bathrooms; European oak with a white oil finish on shelves and furniture; stucco and grayish-brown paint on walls. Windows were opened to let in natural light, balancing the interior’s dimness with glimpses of the landscape. The entryway welcomes guests with an antique table, vases, and a large painting by Beatriz Zamora. On the terrace, pucte wood sofas, black concrete tables, and a microcement hot tub create an exterior that harmonizes with the rest of the home. Casa Tres Árboles is one of the projects that best embodies the studio’s philosophy, quiet luxury born of curation, calm, and the interplay of light and shadow.