Río Rapel
Valparaíso
Chile
Overview
The 244 square metre residence slopes down a steep site, terracing down to the foothills of an artificial reservoir that feeds into a dam further along the river.
-33.0482744, -71.5770596
Structure
Integrating the home into the land was a key consideration for the client and designers, who are both interested in architecture’s relationship with nature. To minimise excavation on the site. The volumes get progressively smaller as they terrace down, following the topography of the site.
The structural system of the building is made up of concrete foundations with a steel frame. Timber has been used widely throughout the project to soften the heavy, industrial framing of the structure.
Exterior
The exterior is clad in horizontally laid radiata pine cladding boards. Radiata pine is the most economical and prevalent timber used in Chile. A protective treatment has been used to darken the tone of the wood and preserve its lifespan, given it is a softwood. The darker tone compliments the blacked steel used for windows and detailing.
Pine lining boards clad the underside of the main building volume, which protrudes over the lower floor terrace, providing a shelter for the outdoor space.
Interior
Pale, untreated radiata pine boards line the inside of the lakeside home, contrasting with the blackened steel frame and detailing. The lining boards cover almost every surface of the interior, and are matched by timber floorboards.
The finishes are designed to be high quality, durable, and low maintenance.
