Catalina House 25

El Carmen, Peru

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Catalina House 25

El Carmen, Peru

Firm

fitoMOREY Arquitectos

Type

Residential › Private House

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2022

SIZE

0 sqft - 1000 sqft

BUDGET

$100K - 500K

Located in the desert valley of Chincha, in the district of El Carmen, Catalina 25 is a temporary single-family residence designed by fitoMOREY Arquitectos. The commission was born from a clear need: to create a retreat for rest and family gatherings within the La Catalina gated community, while respecting its development guidelines and embracing the coastal environment of Ica. The result is a restrained yet warm architectural expression that offers an intimate living experience deeply connected to the local climate, landscape, and materials.
The project unfolds on a single level across a 1,000 m² plot with four open fronts, which allows for efficient cross-ventilation and consistent natural lighting. At the heart of the design lies a spacious terrace, partially shaded with a eucalyptus pergola, which serves as the social core of the house. It opens onto a linear pool and flows seamlessly into the living-dining area and a parallel-bar kitchenette, encouraging a relaxed lifestyle where indoor and outdoor boundaries blur.
The bedrooms are positioned at opposite ends of the house to ensure privacy and independence. The main bedroom stands out with a defined volume and a rooftop lookout, while the secondary bedrooms are located on the east side, accompanied by a small lounge. At the rear, the service area includes a laundry room, guest bathroom, and service quarters.
A central pillar of the project is its exposed, durable, and efficient material palette. In Catalina 25, this is expressed through rococho brick walls, exposed formwork concrete, and rust-toned finishes achieved with ferrous sulfate—materials chosen for their low maintenance and strong character. These choices respond not only to functional and budgetary needs but also reinforce the visual and tactile identity of the home.
The design also emphasizes connection with the natural environment, integrating textures and colors drawn from the surrounding coastal landscape—ochres, soft grays, and earthy tones that resonate with the desert context and intense sunlight. This sensitivity to place gives the project a discreet yet powerful presence, in harmony with the site and its rhythms.
With 137 m² of built area and a precise architectural strategy, Catalina 25 translates rest, efficiency, and local identity into a meaningful and grounded living experience.