Architect Visit: A 1,400-Sq-Ft Chilean Weekend House That Rests Lightly on the Land

In Limache, Chile's western central region, a young family wanted a modern, geometrically simple weekend house with total spatial flexibility—a living room that could become a guest bedroom—and a budget-friendly build. They hired Santiago-based Ricardo Torrejón Architects, who collaborated with architect-contractor Arturo Chadwick on a nearly 1,400-square-foot house set on 1.25 verdant acres.

The result works with the land, not against it. The house sits on a gentle slope, so one end is more compact than the other. Standard pine lumber with steel-tube reinforcements prevents warping; a limited material palette (bulk-purchased) keeps costs down. Interior walls use the same pine planks, lightly white-stained. Floors are polished, stained concrete slabs.

Photography by Felipe Fontecilla courtesy of Ricardo Torrejón.

Above: Standard pine lumber with steel tubing reinforcements.

Above: At the compact end, an outdoor room tucked between kitchen and dining, protected from fierce afternoon winds.

Above: Limited materials throughout—pine walls, polished stained concrete floors. Tall end splits into multipurpose loft and sleeping spaces below.

Above: Loft area and sleeping spaces beneath.

Above: Concrete paver patio oriented to dramatic views.

Above: Budget prioritized generous glazing over pricey materials. Large glass pieces as walls (not inset windows) simplify geometry and emphasize indoor-outdoor connection.

Above: Mostly-wood side faces harsh afternoon sun and stormy southwestern winds; standardized dimensions minimize custom materials.

Above: Mostly-glass side receives gentle northeastern morning sun.

Above: Distinctly modern, yet blends into surrounding landscape.

For more escapes: Garden Visit: A Design Couple's Scenic Shelter Island Retreat and Outbuilding of the Week: Guest Cabana by Fowlkes Studio in Washington, D.C.