This project is situated along the northern coastline of Matanzas, perched on a gentle slope atop a 65-meter-high cliff. The residence is surrounded by scattered houses, with the beach lying just below.
When designing the house, the architect prioritized three key factors: protecting outdoor spaces from the strong southwest winds common in the area; ensuring privacy from neighboring houses to the north and south; and maximizing the stunning sea views.
The building’s overall form is a “U” shape. Two parallel volumes enclose the boundaries on the north and south sides, while the third volume, featuring the most transparency, runs parallel to the coastline. This layout creates a protected central outdoor terrace that visually extends toward the sea through a double-glazed public space.
The public area acts as the home’s central axis, with functional spaces—such as bedrooms, bathrooms, laundry, and rooftop parking—distributed within the two perpendicular volumes. Due to the solid north and south facades, semi-open courtyards are incorporated to enhance natural light and ventilation in several rooms. In some cases, these courtyards also offer partial sea views.
The main structure utilizes metal framing to create large, unsupported spaces, especially in the public areas. Secondary structures are built from treated pine wood. The exterior is clad with a vertical lattice of 5×5 cm (2×2 inch) impregnated brushed pine, which also forms the perforated surface of the covered parking area.
Project Information
△ Plan View
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
Project Details
Architect: Raimundo Gutierrez Frías
Area: 240 square meters
Year: 2020
Photographer: Nico Saieh
Suppliers: Hunter Douglas, Alumadi, Duomo, W Store, alfuego.cl
Structural Engineer: Joaquín Valenzuela
Sanitary Equipment: Catherin Núñez
Location: Matanzas, Chile
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