Exploring the Architectural Marvel of Lulu Villa

Unveiling Dante Luna's Award-Winning Design

Designed by Dante Luna, Lulu Villa is a distinctive private residence that stands out for its unique combination of different textures, elements, and volumes. The design inspiration for this project was the intersection of three main volumes, each serving a unique purpose: the entrance module, rooms, and living areas. The house's open spaces are composed of these three exterior volumes, creating a harmonious blend of interior and exterior spaces.

What sets Lulu Villa apart from other designs is its unique materiality. The use of exposed concrete in its walls and slabs, combined with a perforated wood finish that allows natural light to permeate the interior, creates a unique and inviting space. The rustic textures and a white volume that protrudes from the rest of the structure further enhance the design's distinctiveness.

The realization of Lulu Villa involved a careful selection of materials and a keen eye for detail. The design team, which included architects Sarah Tió, Wilmeer De Los Santos, Nicolás S. Naranjo, and José Luis A. Rojas, worked meticulously to ensure that the materials used were not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable and resistant to sea salt. This was particularly important for the entrance, which combines wood and exposed concrete to create a welcoming and intriguing space.

Located in Loma Esperanza, Las Terrenas, Lulu Villa spans 850 square meters of construction on a 2,492 square meter lot. The project started in May 2016 and was completed in July 2017. The design process was not without its challenges. The biggest hurdle was achieving a beach effect through the use of materiality. To overcome this, the team used aluminum profiles painted in wood and interrupted their arrangement to allow light to enter the input module.

The design of Lulu Villa is a testament to the belief of Dante Luna's studio that designing a house is a sacred task. The customer entrusts their life and often their biggest investment to the architect, requiring an honest and coherent response. This belief is reflected in every aspect of Lulu Villa, from its unique design to its high-end finish. The house's design is based on the integrity of the materials and how they blend into the Caribbean beach landscape.

For its exceptional design and innovative use of materials, Lulu Villa was awarded the Golden A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2021. This prestigious award is granted to outstanding creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, advance art, science, design, and technology, and significantly impact the world with their desirable characteristics.