A particular cultural mix has provided a series of unexpected, suspended objects to the Patagonian landscape. Apparently useless or -at best- over designed single roof structures become milestones, indicate ownership or road signs. Many times, they cover nothing, they just provide a shade. European settlers brought architectural styles whilst the local carpenters taught how to work with fine local timber in replacement of the corresponding solid materials. The blend became known as the Chilote/German technique for their place of origin, characterised by the ingenious timber-only joinery and Alerce shingled roofs and facades. As far as they are, there
are some connections that bond the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region with Chilean North Patagonia. At the same distance from the Equator Coyhaique and Annecy both at 45° South and North, have a similar climate and objects cast the same shadow depth at opposite times of the year. Whilst entering the boreal summer during the Festival opening, the 21st of June will be the winter solstice in Chile, the longest casting of shadow, weather permitting. We wanted to provide a piece of Patagonian shadow, a few square meters of a cantilevering object that will come across de chemin and redirect the views. The structure portrays and boasts its structural demands and lodges a minimum inhabitable pod to be experienced by a single person at a time, to feel and appreciate the oversized roof whilst enjoying lake views under a ventilated shade. The volume is composed merely by a naked structure and a roof. The efforts appear to be simple although there are considerable forces that provide tension to the cabin. The flaneurs will feel compelled to make a halt and observe the hidden tension, solved with timber joints and a couple of pillars that
gently pose on the field. The awkward unbalance between cantilever and the buttressed section is central to the feeling. The Patagonian Shadow Cabin will be a pause to enlarge the vision of a particular latitude and cultural context.
Team:
Architects: DRAA, Nicolas del Rio, Felipe Camus
Collaborators: Nils Hayoz, Clement Estreicher
+ Daniela Farias, Fernanda Urquiza, Guillaume Nguyen, Pilar Gonzalez Soldevilla, Belen García Ortega, Bruno
Urrutia Sancho, María de Sotto, Enrique Sanz-Gadea López, Marius Nieschalk, Mirko Hayoz, Neva Hayoz, Emily
Hayoz, Clarisse Hayoz, Jérôme Hayoz, Annemarie Schäfer, David Dörig
Photography: Felipe Camus, Sacha Mauroux, David Foessel
Materials Used:
Facade cladding & Flooring: Local sourced fir
Roofing: Fabric
