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Architects: Chauriye Stäger Arquitectos
- Area: 380 m²
- Year: 2014
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Photographs:Midas / Pablo Blanco
Text description provided by the architects. This building is located close to the city of Buin, in the pre-Andean central region, and is surrounded by a landscape of dry hills dominated by pines and quillayes trees. The site presents a fairly steep slope and offers spectacular views of the valley to the west. The aim of this project is to create a modern, yet fairly rustic looking house that merges seamlessly with its surroundings.
The strategy for this project is essentially topographic: the first step would consist in excavating a platform onto which communal areas would sit – entrance hall, kitchen, living-room, dining-room and study. Bedrooms would then be added onto a second, raised platform which would sit at an angle compared to the first platform in order to provide a better view of the valley.
This platform combination constitutes a natural adaptation to the topography, allowing the house to blend with the surrounding landscape. This is further emphasized by the earthy appearance of the exterior walls, through a mix of mortar and coloured soil. Floors are made out of baked clay and doors out of demolition wood. The retaining wall that supports the public platform is covered with stones obtained from the initial excavation process, whilst the roofs are protected with gravel and xeriscaping plants.
Most notably, the intersection of both platforms creates a two-storey hall crossed by a wooden bridge.
