On the western slope of the Chilean Andes there is a small mountain hut with an extraordinary design. The refuge for tourists and mountaineers was designed by Gonzalo Iturriaga Arquitectos in 2015. A folded roof characterizes the architecture of the hut and is reminiscent of a tent, with the wide panoramic windows offering spectacular views of the mountains. The unusual construction is located in the middle of a barren landscape covered with lots of sand and large areas of gravel. What makes the view so fascinating is not green landscapes like in the Alps, but the high, impressive mountain peaks that are covered with snow in winter. You can find out more about this dream place for passionate mountain lovers here.
The noble mountain hut was designed for a hill in the municipality of San Esteban, just 70 kilometers north of the capital Santiago de Chile. The volume has a reduced design and the external facade is completely clad in black pine boards. Interesting folded roof marks the entrance to the weekend house and symbolizes a safe, protected shelter. The dark color harmonizes perfectly with the barren surroundings without standing out.
On the rear facade of the hut are theblack boardsthroughfloor-to-ceiling panoramic windowsreplaced, which provide a clear view of the snow-covered mountains. There is also a small concrete terrace, as well as an originally designed patio, which was designed as part of the entire volume. Instead of lawn and plants, the “garden” is completely covered with sand and gravel. A long yet narrow pool offers the perfect place to relax after a long hike.
The idea for a folded roof was inspired by the shapes of mountain peaks, creating a connection between the volume and the surrounding landscape. The weekend house is also set slightly above the ground to give the impression of something alien and temporary.
With a small living space of just 60 square meters, the weekend house offers everything you need for a lovely stay in the mountains. It includes a living area, two bedrooms and a bathroom - that's all you really need here. The kitchen and dining area offers abreathtaking panorama, which can also be admired from the bedroom. The light wood paneling on the ceiling and walls creates warmth in the interior and contrasts with the black wooden boards for the facade.
Information about the project:
Architectural office:Gonzalo Iturriaga Architects
Responsible architect:Gonzalo Iturriaga Section
Project:Shelter for a mountaineer (Bergsteigerhütte)
Year:2015-16
Location:San Esteban Municipality, Chile
Living space:60 m²
Valerie Schweitzer Architects' "Butterfly Studio" was named the winner of the 2017 American Architecture Prize. The design was inspired by the structure of the butterfly wing and impresses with a glass roof, light-flooded interior and a fine mix of materials.
You can find out more about the architectural firmhere
