Punta Chilén House, Architect Baltazar Sánchez, Ancud, Chile

Project: Punta Chilén HouseArchitects: Baltazar SánchezLocation: Ancud, ChileArea: 4305 sq ftPhotos: Niko Sayeh

Punta Chilén House, by Baltazar Sánchez

The Punta Chilén House, designed by architect Baltazar Sánchez, is located on a hill on an island in Ancud, Chile, offering a stunning view of the surrounding sea. The house design is inspired by typical regional farm buildings and uses local materials and construction techniques. The objective was to create a single-family home of 400 square meters that functions equally well for family living and solitary occupancy by the owners. Internal courtyards were proposed to separate rooms from each other and common areas, allowing restoration of the existing fruit orchard on the site. The house was built on piles driven into the ground to adapt to terrain changes and combat soil moisture.

This house is located on a hill situated on an island, visually framing the sea from all sides. In accordance with the client's requirements, location, and environment, regional materials and techniques were used. As an architectural reference, the farm typology was chosen.

The programmatic task was to make a single-family home of 400 square meters functional for both family living and when the owners are alone. The owner was particularly concerned about room sound insulation, so internal courtyards were proposed to separate rooms from each other and common spaces. This configuration allowed the restoration of the existing fruit orchard on the site. Windows and openings were determined by the surrounding environment and program. For example, the dining room's light slope reflects the constant changes in the sky of Chile, providing very pleasant and stable lighting thanks to its southern orientation.

As is typical for the region, the house was built on piles driven into the ground due to soil moisture and to adapt to local terrain changes. Facade materials respond to their orientation; for the sides most exposed to rain and wind, micro-perforated galvanized steel plates are used that oxidize to achieve a specific patina. On less exposed sides, pine wood panels with treatment are used. All interior finishing materials are also made from pine (both furniture and cladding), giving the house a 'honest' appearance, as specified in the brief.

-Baltazar Sánchez