Matanzas, Chile
Chilean architect Raimundo Gutiérrez of ERRE Arquitectos has completed a 108-square-meter beach house placed on wooden stilts to achieve better views of the beach.
“In an effort to strengthen a visual link to the coastline, the house is positioned and suspended on the surface, just as the docks do, which in turn function as articulators between people and the ocean,” explains Gutiérrez.
Named Casa Prat Valdés, the structure runs perpendicular to the sea and turns to accommodate a steep grade change and a eucalyptus forest.
The positioning of the house within the plot allows it to have the least possible impact on the land and existing vegetation.
Constructed out of metal and mostly out of naturally stained pine wood, both the interior and exterior spaces reflect lightness and warmth.
The northeast side of the house is entirely glazed to open the spaces to views and natural lighting.
The southwest side is fully enclosed to protect from prevailing winds and provide privacy from neighboring properties.
A walkway wraps around the sealed façade to the entrance at the center of the plan.
The entire common area is directed toward the sea with a raised terrace that serves as a recreation patio and a lookout.
In the same space, there is an open-plan kitchen, a dining and a living room that terminates at the terrace.
The beach house is oriented and placed in such a way in order to allow the sunlight to control the interior temperature and comfort and made active heating and cooling almost unnecessary.
Project: Casa Prat Valdés
Architects: ERRE Arquitectos
Lead Architect: Raimundo Gutiérriez
Structural Engineer: Joaquin Valenzuela
Project Manager: Alejandro Chamorro
Client: Private
Photographers: Nicolás Saieh
