This incredible beach house is located in Tunquén, a costal area in the central region of Chile, in a 5,000 square meter site overlooking the sea. The acres of the site are located in the lower part, so you enter with your back to the sea. Designed by Loi Arquitectos, the 1,500 square foot (139 square meter) house is located in the upper part, in order to get the best views towards the ocean. The area is a semi-dry region, with native trees and a strong and cold wind from the south-east. The orientation of the site is south, so the main views towards the landscape are to the south (this is the south hemisphere, so the sun comes always from the north). The sunlight comes from the north, the upper part of the site, opposite to the main views of the site. This geographic situation determines the design, because the house must be open or transparent to the south to get the views, but it must also be open to the north light coming from the “rear” part of the house.

This scheme also solves the client needs: he wanted an integrated living-dinning-kitchen space, an exterior terrace protected from the wind, a main bedroom and a second one separated for acoustic and privacy needs. This configuration of the main three volumes generates three intermediate semi-interior-exterior spaces: terrace, access and separation space between the two bedrooms.

The living area volume has a complete double height in order to get the sun light, and also protects laterally the terrace from the south-east wind. The dining and kitchen area are located one step above the living area, avoiding its furnishings from blocking the views.

The terrace is protected from the wind by wooden blinds, by a big laminated glass, and by an existing tree. The protection against the strong summer sun is achieved by inclined beams that only allow winter sunrays to pass.

The guest bedroom takes advantage of its greater height by placing a small attic containing a bed for the children. The interior corridor of the house also gets the north light through the space that separates the two bedrooms.

The house is built completely in pine wood, with a dark exterior varnish. In addition, a guest cabin was built completely separated from the main house, connected by a pedestrian path.

Photos: Marcos Mendizabal