One day, ceramicist and architect Octavio Mendoza Morales was chatting with one of his nieces. She suggested that he combine his passions by building a house out of clay. Captivated by the idea, Morales set out to turn this whimsical concept into reality.
Casa Terracota, located in Villa de Leyva, Colombia, is entirely made of clay, without a single metal or wooden support beam. Morales often describes it as the largest piece of pottery in the world. He crafted the house from clay and then spent months ‘baking’ each room, using coke coal to harden the walls.
Photo by Flickr
Initially intended as a private residence, Casa Terracota attracted so much public interest that Morales opened it to visitors. He built a small artist’s residence for himself and now welcomes guests Monday through Thursday, charging a small fee to tour this unique home, akin to a residence of a benevolent wizard.
Photo by Flickr
Casa Terracota’s design features countless curved lines and rounded shapes reminiscent of waves. Its interior boasts metal sculptures and furniture, including a snake-shaped banister, a ceiling-suspended fish, and a dragon-shaped chair, along with several colorful mosaic accents. The house is furnished with immovable clay chairs, tables, and even a bed.
Photo by Flickr
Morales takes pride in the fact that Casa Terracota utilizes solar energy and harmonizes with its surroundings. He hopes it inspires visitors to consider environmentally friendly building materials, advocating for the use of literal earth in construction.
Blending with Villa de Leyva’s natural beauty, Casa Terracota‘s wavy exterior appears almost fantastical. It may leave you wondering if it was designed by a human or a whimsical wizard with magical building materials. For those interested in architecture and sustainable living, visiting this impressive clay house is a must.