Think of this cabin as a safehouse for when you are facing harsh weather conditions. Cara R is perched in the Andes Mountains in Southern Chile giving views of the vast parklands and nature reserves. It is the ideal destination to be immersed in nature but the area is also known for its extreme climatic conditions and that is exactly what Cara R’s design aims to guard against – nothing can stand between you and a cozy night at your cabin in the woods!
Felipe Lagos is a Chilean architect of the Santiago–based studio TuCroquis who has previously designed many local homes that take the rapidly changing weather into account. Casa R is an extension of that range, it is a modular holiday cabin residing in the middle of a lush forested site.
On the first floor, there is a woodshed and a chiflonera.” This area between the interiors and exteriors is commonly found in Chilean or Patagonian homes because it helps to regulate the extreme temperature changes that occur in that region. It features a steel frame because stell is both water and fire-resistant!
The 1,033-square-foot cabin also has a buffer zone (locally called chiflonera) which is an area between the interior and the exterior, commonly found in traditional homes there so that it can regular internal temperatures based on the harsh climate.
TuCroquis’ interior designer Ramón Vallejos furnished the cabin with a plywood kitchen, durable furniture from MueblesSur, and washable cushions that can be used both indoors and out. The kitchen area, living/dining spaces and a bathroom are all located on the first floor.
Some of the cabin’s modules have enclosed walls while others are left open for better connection to the outdoors. “The cabin is elevated from the ground and has slopes on the terraces and two floors. The slopes blend with the natural terrain and help reduce costs in foundations. The roof also has a steep slope to protect it from snowfall in the winter,” explains Lagos. The minimal design doesn’t fully express Casa R’s durability but I would love to see it integrate more sustainability or clean energy in its design considering it is all about preserving ecosystems.
Designers:: Felipe Lagos (architecture) and Ramón Vallejos (interior)
