The Lagunita Residence is a secondary home project situated on the shores of Laguna Zapalar Lake, within the Zapalar Commune, approximately 183 kilometers northwest of San Diego. This region lies north of Maitencillo, separated by the Catapilco River’s mouth, and is bordered by Cachagua Beach to the north, Laguna Beach to the west, and the E-30 Highway to the east.
The project occupies a 300-square-meter plot, measuring 10 meters wide (north to south) and 30 meters long (east to west). The land slopes at a 25° angle, descending from the southern street-facing side to the northern edge. The design strategically maximizes the entire site by dividing the terrain into three main platforms, held in place by two concrete retaining walls that stabilize the hillside.
The lowest platform, or the first floor, connects directly to the driveway and parking area.
An outdoor wooden staircase ascends to the second floor, which stands three meters above street level. This level features a simple white wooden cube, measuring 7 by 7 meters with a height of 5.5 meters, housing the entire residential space. This compact design offers an efficient and cost-effective structural solution.
The third floor is positioned at the highest point on the plot and includes a terrace that offers stunning views of Metenxillo, Laguna Beach, and Laguna Town.
Upon entering, the living room, dining area, and kitchen flow seamlessly together, all crafted from original 1×4 English pine wood painted with a soft white finish. The southern side is mostly enclosed to ensure privacy, while six Oregon pine windows face north, including a small decorative courtyard that enhances the sense of space and brings greenery into the interior.
A mixed-material staircase connects the second floor, starting with polished pine wood that serves as both structure and enclosure. It transitions into a fan-shaped section made of 5-millimeter-thick folded metal, reinforced underneath with triangular metal ribs welded to the main frame.
The second-floor bedroom faces north, offering picturesque views of the hillside, garden, and surrounding vegetation. Large south- and west-facing windows open onto a covered terrace overlooking the street and sea, which acts like a lantern, bathing the wooden interior walls in warm afternoon light.
Project Drawings
△ Base schematic diagram
△ First floor plan
△ Second floor plan
△ Section diagram
△ Section diagram
△ Elevation drawing
△ Elevation drawing
△ Elevation drawing
△ Elevation drawing
Project Information
Architect: Croxatto y Opazo Arquitectos
Project Year: 2023
Photographer: Cristobal Palma / Estudio Palma
Lead Architects: Nicolas Opazo, Felipe Croxatto
Project Team: Nicolás Opazo, Felipe Croxatto, Martin Dellatorre, José Pablo O’Ryan, Maximiliano Valle
Partners: Martin Dellatorre, Jose Pablo O’Ryan, Maximiliano Valle
Structural Engineer: Luis Della Valle
Location: La Laguna, Chile
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