This house is situated on the shores of Lake Colico, nestled within the southern rainforest of Chile. The region experiences a long, rainy winter and a short, warm summer. Positioned on the steep southern shore of the lake, the home’s orientation is perfect for the southern hemisphere, maximizing sunlight and scenic views. The terrain slopes up to 40%, with soil composed of thick vegetation layers and alluvial deposits.
The client outlined two primary requirements: first, to design an elevated house that keeps it isolated from the damp soil—this naturally aligns with the low soil bearing capacity. Second, to avoid rain gutters to minimize maintenance, instead utilizing wide eaves to protect windows from rain intrusion.
Given the steep slope, low foundation bearing capacity, and the client’s request for an elevated structure, the design team proposed a four-story house—or more precisely, four and a half floors—that seamlessly integrate daily living. This blend, sometimes visual and sometimes walkable, fosters continuity within family life, while also providing separation where needed.
The four and a half levels are as follows:
- Ground level: The space between the natural soil and the elevated floor, with enough height to accommodate covered outdoor activities such as play areas, sheltered parking, and storage rooms.
- Fire floor (half a level up): Dedicated to family gathering spaces including living rooms, dining areas, game rooms, kitchens, and barbecue zones. This floor benefits from excellent north-facing views and an open-plan layout.
- Middle floor (upper half): Houses the entrance hall, reception, and service areas. Part of this level visually connects to the communal space, offering views of the lake.
- Dream floor (top level): Accommodates family bedrooms, oriented northward with distant views.
Structurally, the house is anchored to the hillside by a linear retaining wall, with elevated pillars extending three meters into the natural soil. From the ground floor upward, the structure consists entirely of glued laminated timber columns and beam frames.
The facade design focuses on breaking down the volume through varied cladding treatments, reducing the visual impact of this 11-meter-tall home and making it feel less like a traditional building.
Project Drawings
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second and Third Floor Plans
△ Fourth Floor Plan
△ Roof Plan
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Detailed Structural Drawing
Project Information
Architect: Schwember García-Huidobro Arquitectos
Project Year: 2022
Photographer: Nicolás Sánchez
Manufacturers: Alfuego, Ingelam, Volcan
Lead Architects: Fernando García-Huidobro, Álvaro Schwember
Design Team: Fernando García-Huidobro, Álvaro Schwember, Facundo Forchino, Catalina Bórquez
Structural Design: Patricio Bertholet / Patricio Bertholet Engineering
Lighting Design: Fernando García-Huidobro / Schwember García-Huidobro Architects
Interior Design: Francisca Varela / FVM decoración
Project Management: Fernando García-Huidobro / Schwember García-Huidobro Architects
Project Function: Residential
Location: Kunco, Chile
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