Bona Vista Hills by STATE of Architecture, A Sculptural Villa Rooted in the Aruban Hills
Architecture Design of Bona Vista Hills
Description About The Project
Bona Vista Hills by STATE of Architecture is a sculptural villa in Aruba, where bold minimalism and natural topography merge into a serene, terrain-sensitive masterpiece.
The Project “Bona Vista Hills” Information:
- Project Name: Bona Vista Hills
- Location: Aruba, Villanueva, La Guajira, Colombia
- Project Year: 2023
- Designed by: STATE of Architecture
Architecture in Harmony with Topography
Set within the hills of Oranjestad, Aruba, Bona Vista Hills by STATE of Architecture emerges as a masterclass in terrain-sensitive design. Built on a steep slope, the villa doesn’t fight the land—it flows with it. Two clean, horizontal volumes are embedded into the hillside, forming a serene sculptural composition that feels both commanding and quietly restrained.
“The site’s contours dictated our approach,” notes lead architect Eva Lammers. “Rather than leveling the hill, we allowed the architecture to ride its curves, resulting in a home that feels grown from the earth rather than placed upon it.”
A Pathway Through Nature
Visitors approach through a meditative garden trail of native grasses, volcanic stone, and towering cacti. This transition space sets the tone—a gentle immersion into a home where nature isn’t framed but absorbed. The entrance, modest yet purposeful, opens into interiors anchored by expansive glass façades that blur the lines between inside and out.
A shallow reflecting pool running along the front façade doubles as a light mirror—inviting sky, shadow, and horizon into every moment of the day.
“Water here isn’t just a feature,” says Paul Kroon, project designer. “It’s a dialogue. A stillness that plays off Aruba’s constant movement of wind and sun.”
Minimal Palette, Maximum Presence
Bona Vista Hills relies on a refined material palette: white stucco, textured in-situ concrete, smooth concrete tiles, and rhythmic black vertical slats. These materials are selected not only for durability in the Aruban climate, but for their atmospheric impact. Under changing light, the textures animate the façade in subtle, sculptural ways.
“We were inspired by contrast—not for the sake of conflict, but for balance,” shares Lammers. “Smooth versus textured, open versus shielded, bold versus quiet. That interplay defines the spatial experience.”
Generous overhangs shield interiors from the tropical sun while encouraging cross-breezes. The open plan layout fosters seamless movement between shaded indoor spaces and open-air terraces, each offering layered views of Aruba’s hills and coastline.
SEE MORE: Hourglass Concept House by STATE of Architecture, A Sculptural Villa of Silence and Sophistication
A Contemporary Home Rooted in Context
Though striking in silhouette, Bona Vista Hills is a home of restraint—every gesture measured, every element in conversation with its surroundings. Its presence is undeniable, yet it never overpowers the landscape it inhabits.
“Contemporary architecture doesn’t need to dominate,” reflects Kroon. “It can whisper. It can nestle. That was our goal with Bona Vista Hills—to create something lasting, but not loud.”
This sculptural villa isn’t just a statement of design—it’s an evolution of place, marrying bold aesthetics with environmental empathy.
Photo credit: | Source: STATE of Architecture
For more information about this project; please contact the Architecture firm :
– Add: Melkfabriekstraat 11C, 5613 MW Eindhoven, Netherlands
– Tel: +31 6 15340453
– Email: nederland@stateofarchitecture.com
More Projects in Colombia here:
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- Cerrovento House in Colombia by Alejandro Restrepo Montoya
- B33 House in Colombia by Alejandro Restrepo Montoya + Estudio Central
- Balcony House to Enjoy Incredible Views of Nature by Bassico Arquitectos
- House in Cartagena with Dynamic Shape Design by PlanB Arquitectos
