ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Refugio House: A Concrete Monolith in Santa Cruz

architecture-design · 2026-04-13

In 2025, DB Estudio de Arquitectura finalized Refugio House, a single-family residence spanning 3,843 ft² in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. The structure features a compact, sealed form facing the street, highlighted by an extruded entrance with white walls that contrasts with the raw concrete exterior. The lead architects—Daniela Bejarano, Gian Maximiliano Parada Mendez, María José Soliz Sahonero, and Diego Vaca Rodas—focused on ensuring privacy and a clear volumetric hierarchy. Valentina Díaz curated the project, while Paul Renaud captured its essence through photography. The team also included experts in plumbing, electrical systems, structural engineering, air conditioning, carpentry, locksmithing, and flooring.

Key facts

  • Completed in 2025
  • Area: 3,843 ft²
  • Location: Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia
  • Lead architects: Daniela Bejarano, Gian Maximiliano Parada Mendez, María José Soliz Sahonero, Diego Vaca Rodas
  • Curated by Valentina Díaz
  • Photographs by Paul Renaud
  • Materials: exposed concrete, white walls
  • Manufacturers: Hansgrohe, Cortizo, Docol, Knauf, MARAZZI, Portobello, Total Conforto

Entities

Artists

  • Valentina Díaz
  • Daniela Bejarano
  • Gian Maximiliano Parada Mendez
  • María José Soliz Sahonero
  • Diego Vaca Rodas
  • Paul Renaud
  • Dino E. Galean Mendoza
  • Fanor Escobar Eguez
  • Oscar rivero Z

Institutions

  • DB Estudio de Arquitectura
  • Hansgrohe
  • Cortizo
  • Docol
  • Knauf
  • MARAZZI
  • Portobello
  • Total Conforto
  • Confort
  • Alsevic
  • Tumpar
  • ArchDaily

Locations

  • Santa Cruz de la Sierra
  • Bolivia

Sources