Do you prefer spending time outdoors rather than inside? Creating a backyard oasis that balances relaxation and practical living is an excellent way to bring more outdoor time into everyday life. Staycations have surged in popularity recently, and the Barrenechea House Extension by Cafeina Design in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, demonstrates how a thoughtfully designed backyard structure can become a complete retreat. This rear extension offers a swimming pool, a sauna, a home office, guest rooms and a terrace that frames uninterrupted views—delivering a full suite of amenities while keeping the home connected to its landscape.
The extension embraces local materials and thoughtful construction: locally sourced raw clay bricks combine with steel beams to form a striking composition. The clay imparts a warm red tone to the façade, giving the addition a distinct identity that complements—yet remains separate from—the original house. Exposed metal beams support a cantilevered upper level, creating an elevated platform and a sheltered sitting area beneath. These structural choices enhance both the aesthetic and functional qualities of the project, producing a strong indoor-outdoor connection that encourages use throughout the year.
Inside, the program is modern and ergonomic. Living spaces are arranged to be flexible and comfortable: a compact home office supports work-from-home routines, while purpose-designed guest rooms accommodate visitors. The terrace and elevated platform create a transition between interior rooms and the garden, while the pool and sauna provide health and leisure amenities typically found in resort settings. Thoughtful lighting design enhances the atmosphere after dark, turning the backyard into an inviting evening destination for family time or entertaining.
The project respects the existing landscape and trees. Rather than removing mature vegetation, the design wraps around the trees and uses sculptural columns that visually reference the trunks and branches. This approach preserves natural shade, improves comfort in outdoor seating areas and reinforces the sense of privacy that makes the backyard feel like a secluded sanctuary.
The starting point for the design was respect for the existing trees, followed by the placement of the pool to create an intimate social space at the back of the property. A raised platform gives the impression of a floating structure, while sculptural columns frame the existing tree outlines.
Pavilion-style seating and open upper levels make the extension feel light and welcoming, while practical circulation and clear spatial zoning ensure the addition integrates smoothly with everyday life. The raised platform and cantilever also create interesting sightlines across the garden, connecting the pool, dining area and indoor rooms with a coherent visual flow. This careful orchestration of spaces makes the extension ideal for both quiet relaxation and social gatherings, reinforcing its function as a true backyard oasis.
Combining traditional materials with contemporary detailing, this extension demonstrates how vernacular character and modern comfort can coexist. The choice of clay bricks grounds the design in local building practices, while the steel structure allows for bold, cantilevered forms that enrich outdoor living. The result is a backyard retreat that feels both rooted in place and tailored to modern lifestyles—an inviting, multi-functional extension to the home. (Photography: Paul Renaud)
