Helvetia Refuge islocated in a tall and dense ancient endemic forest within Malalcahuello in a mountainous area of Araucania region, in the southern lands of Chile.

The design process was driven bythe logic of timber construction and the remote condition of the site. The refuge was built by local carpenters. It was also a great challenge to optimize the timing of construction in consideration of the limited building season in such rainy latitudes.

The project’s architectural floorplan is organized in two areas. One is the living and common areas adjacent to the entrance. The other includes bedrooms and bathrooms. Between them, functioning as an intermediate space with direct communication to the exterior void, is a transparent hallway that leads to a deck overlooking the forest along the northern side of the hill, where an outdoor firepit is shielded from the wind by the terrain.

The program develops around the central void in the following order;morning light -East- bedrooms; afternoon light – West- kitchen, dining and living room.  North for the entry and South for an external terrace.

The refuge sits off the ground by 20 cms at its lower point and up to 3 mts at its highest point, leaving a buffer for ventilation and humidity protection, but most importantly to conserve the biodiversity of the forest below.

The mono material finish of the refuge is consolidated in the integrity of this prismatic envelope that can withstand snow in winter.

Team:
Architect: SAA arquitectura+territorio
Photo credits: Esteban Arteaga

Material Used:
1. Facade cladding: Wood 
2. Flooring: Wood
3. Doors: Wood
4. Windows: Wood
5. Roofing: Wood
6. Interior lighting: LEED
7. Interior furniture: Wood