Location: Calera de Tango, Chile Year of construction: 2001 Architect: Felipe Assadi Figueroa Photography: Juan Purcell
This house, designed for a couple without children, is located in the midst of an orchard of fruit trees. The plot is located between the Andes and the coastal mountains of Chile, and the nearest views are of lush eucalyptus forests to the north and south. The layout and compositional rhythm of the fruit tree plantings would suggest the optimal placement of the building. Also, the meter-high foliage suggested a new level for the floor so views of the landscape would not be obstructed.
The plan called for a concrete box, a meter high and 2.7 meters wide, facing east-west, that would accommodate the swimming pool and the basement as well as serving as the foundation of the house. Above it, at treetop height, is the first floor: a glass and larch structure with the common areas occupying a single, diaphanous space, where the only doors hide the bathrooms and a guest room.
The upper level, which is perpendicular to the rest of the grouping, is exposed concrete. As a result of the north-south placement, part of this floor projects outward from the building, casting short shadows on the lower facades.
The different boxes from which the house is constructed were joined together by a common wall. Attached to this wall is the staircase that leads from the basement to the two upper floors. The exposed concrete steps do not touch the walls. This creates a narrow gap in which green lamps were installed to light the way.
The permeability of the structure is in accordance with the amount of privacy required, given the purpose of the different rooms. So, the living room is enclosed entirely in glass, while the master bedroom is mostly opaque.
Thanks to the sunlight, the green glass of the exterior creates colors, transparencies, and reflections which, from the outside, establish a dialogue with the surrounding natural elements. From within, the limits of the space extend to the trees; the space is determined by the immediate surroundings.
Computer simulations made it possible to visualize the project before it was built, including the effects of the light and the placement of the furniture. Thus, the client and the architect were able to make changes based on a more realistic idea of what the house would be like.
The foundation also serves as retaining walls for the swimming pool. The terrace, which can be used as a diving platform, was covered with dark wooden slats that contrast with the exposed concrete.
The flat terrace on the upper level, which is accessed from the bedroom and study, takes up the entire roof.
The kitchen furnishings consist of two rows of cupboards supported by slender metal poles. Translucent panels between the counter and the upper cupboards help the room blend with the rest of the house. The fact that the cupboards do not extend to the floor or ceiling enhances this effect.
Norrhern elevation
Southern elevation