Vichuquén is an artisan town in Maule region, in Chile. Is characterized by being a summer holidays place, close to Santiago, the capital, and for being a place that combines the lake with its mountain landscapes. With our Tiny Cabins, we sought to generate a Project that would become an architectura icon in the área, wich would help to promote tourism activity and be easily recognized. This is why we decided to design black units that contrast with the sorrounding landscape and at the same time work Wood interiors to provide warmth and collect natural elements in the área. The philosophy of the Project consisted of generating functional spaces that optimize the design and use of each m2, being able to generate an experience of disconnection and contemplation of the lake and nature.
The main challenge was to understand and adapt the terrain to develop the Project. At first we found a very steep, semi-cliff-like terrain, which faced vertically the views of the lake. On the other hand, we had to be able to close off both the public road ant the surrounding tiny houses to achieve a private, intimate environment that would allow connection and contemplation with nature and the lake. This is why the volumen was designed wrapped in its own eaves to finally open up with double height Windows, allowing the integration between interior and exterior.
First of all, the idea was to design a project that would be iconic in the área. Considering that it is located in a mountainous área with a very marked climate: cold and exessive rain during Winter and dry and very hot weather in the summer, the first design decisions were to use steep gable roofs and create an enveloping eaves throughout the Project. The first considering rainfall and the second to protect from the sun on summer days.
Then the cintac grooved panels were chosen since they are a material resistant to existing weather conditions and that at the same time add elegance to the Project. In addition, these black panels are complemented by brightly colored doors. Each cabin has a different color that breaks the design scheme and generates an important contrast, making each tiny house independent. The interior Wood, on the other hand, was chosen to give warmth and generate a comfortable space, which also generates a contrast between interior and exterior, which is complemented by the double height and the views, achieving quality environment.
Considering that the Project is small-scale and that the aim was to optimize the funcionality of the square meter, this double height common space serves to free up spatial tensión within the Project, concentrating the kitchen, the living/dining room and the vertical distribution, and at the same time allowing integration with the outside nature through large sliding Windows.
