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Lake Colico House

Lake Colico House

 

The lakes region in the south of Chile is one of the most beautiful areas in the country. The landscape consists of a succession of mountains, forests and lakes, which merge together to form an impressive picture. 

The project task was to build in an unspoilt natural area. The house was constructed at the edge of lake Colico situated in the heart of a mountain range in the foothills of the Andes. The steep slopes surrounding the lake form a strong contrast with the horizontal surface of the water. A decisively built block, with strictly economic lines, has been constructed as an abstract counterpoint to the landscape. This stone, steel and glass house has been built in the middle of the southern side, between the access road and the edge of the lake, about 30 metres above it. Because of its dominant position, it enjoys exceptional views of the landscape.

Alongside the rhetorical situation of the house with the lake and mountains, a second dialogue between the traditional and modern has been added. The house is accessed via a small sloping path leading down from the public road. The route twists its way into the countryside first of all before emerging at a stone and concrete wall which references the land and ancient history. The tectonic nature and artesian craftsmanship of this architecture rises in opposition to the light and transparent world which appears once you've passed through the stone portico entrance. This glass and stone wing links us to the contemporary.

Once across the threshold, a panoramic terrace allows us to view nature in all its splendour with a foretaste of the far-reaching views which are offered from everywhere throughout the house.  The stone block, which marks the boundary with the public area, houses the accommodation's services: toilets, kitchen, cellar and vertical stairway.  The steel and glass structure is on 3 levels and makes use of the wall to promote the transparency of the other façades to the maximum degree.

The continuity of the levels is interrupted by 3 patios like light wells both connecting the varying levels in the house and articulating and dividing the interior areas. A tree has been planted in each patio to reinforce the central theme of the project that, even inside the house, you feel as if you are surrounded by nature.

Undurragadeves Arquitectos
phone: +56-2-498 0655
Av. Presidente Errázuriz #2999, Zócalo
Las Condes, Santiago, Chile