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.

A longside 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.

To see more detail on this house, visit Arcelor Mittal's Constructalia website.

Summary

Architect	Cristián Undurraga,  Undurraga Deves Studio
Country	Chile
City	Santiago de Chile
Engineering Firm	Jorge Marambio, Jorge Herreros, PE
Contractor	Edgar Schmidt - Rafael Herreros
Photographer	Guy Wenborne

Key information

Number of storeys	3
New-build home

Location of steel solutions

Ceiling
External Wall
Facade
Internal Wall
Light Steel Sections
Roof
Window