Designed by ABESTUDIO, Chucao House is located in the Los Ríos Region, Chile, on land that faces the north shore of Lake Calafquén. The property is predominantly on a steep slope that runs into the lake.

A determining condition at the time of designing this project was the client’s request that all living quarters should have a view of the lake and that no bedroom?s design should be considerably unfavorable with respect to another.A design scheme in the shape of a Y (Greek i) is chosen, which is arranged longitudinally in the direction of the elevation of the land, taking care not to intervene existing trees. In this way, the program is resolved in such a way that all the bedrooms and common areas have a view towards the lake. The common areas are integrated into a single open space, with bespoke furniture and the house?s chimney being the elements that control the program, providing separating elements between living and dining rooms, and the kitchen. Photography: Nico Saieh
The house volume is built with two sloping roofs that overlap; a higher roof for the bedrooms and common areas towards the lake, and a lower roof that covers entrance, circulation and service areas. A sliding window covers the gap between both roof systems, allowing the entry of natural light from opposite directions. The waves generated by these roof covers provide protection against intense rains, typical of the Los Ríos region, control sunlight entrance and allow for the creation of inte...