A Patagonian Prefab Cabin Is Built to Withstand Volatile Climates
This elevated prefab cabin along the Chilean Andes has a buffer zone that helps protect it against harsh climatic conditions.
The town of Vilches in Southern Chile is perched about halfway up the Andes Mountain. Surrounded by parklands and nature reserves, the area is an idyllic place for enjoying breathtaking nature. However, there is one drawback for residents: the extreme climatic conditions.
On the first floor of Casa R is a woodshed and a "chiflonera." This area between the interiors and exteriors is commonly found in Chilean/Patagonian homes, as it helps to regulate the region’s extreme temperature changes.
Courtesy of Felipe Lagos
Felipe Lagos, the Chilean architect of Santiago–based studio TuCroquis is hard at work designing homes in the area that can accommodate rapid changing weather. One of his recent projects is Casa R, a modular holiday cabin nestled in the middle of a lush forested site.
Steel was chosen for the frame of the cabin because of its fire and water resistant qualities.
Courtesy of Felipe Lagos
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The 1,033-square-foot space features a buffer zone, known locally as a "chiflonera," an area between the interiors and exteriors that is commonly found in Chilean/Patagonian homes, as it helps to regulate the region’s extreme temperature changes.
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ShopTuCroquis 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.
Courtesy of Felipe Lagos
The kitchen area and living/dining spaces are located on the first level, along with a bathroom.
Courtesy of Felipe Lagos
While some of the modules have enclosed walls, others are left open for better connection to the outdoors.
Courtesy of Felipe Lagos
The chiflonera leads to the entrance of the cabin.
Courtesy of Felipe Lagos
"The cabin is elevated from the ground, and has slopes on the terraces and two floors. The slopes blends 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.
Courtesy of Felipe Lagos
Lagos has raised the cabin above the ground on supporting steel to avoid damaging any of the existing trees on site.
Courtesy of Felipe Lagos
The home is spread across two floors.
Courtesy of Felipe Lagos
Casa R Sectional Drawing.
Courtesy of Felipe Lagos
Casa R Floor Plan.
Courtesy of Felipe Lagos
Project Credits:
Architect and builder: Felipe Lagos, TuCroquis Ltda
Interior design: Ramón Vallejos, TuCroquis Ltda
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