Architects Cristobal Fernández and Francisca Schmidt had a welcome challenge in this lakeside project: The relationship with the owners wasn’t starting from scratch. “They are close to our family,” Fernández says.

As naturalists and cyclists, the owners were looking to build a vacation property that would better connect them to the outdoors during calm and not-too-infrequent getaways. Fernández and Schmidt found an ideal location on the shores of Rupanco Lake, in the Los Lagos region of Chile. “The site is about 10 hours from their primary home,” Fernández adds.

Set in a locale famous for its natural wonders, where snow-capped mountains cut into the sky and cyprus and quillaja trees fragrance the air, the proposed home would have strong roots to its surroundings simply by being present in them. But since the owners are friends, perhaps it wasn’t enough to build four walls and a roof—the structure also had to meet the opportunity.

“To complement their lifestyle, we made a glass-walled home with an open, integrated design,” Fernández says. “The expansive windows create a seamless connection to the green landscapes of southern Chile.”

Inspired by the geometrical form of a Japanese pagoda, Fernández and Schmidt raised the home on a concrete platform at the base of a cliff, which provides a bird’s eye perch from the interior rooms and a wraparound deck. “The integration of these panoramic views not only enriches their everyday living experience but also fosters a deep sense of harmony with their natural surroundings,” Fernández says.

Three bedrooms and bathrooms extend past a common area that includes dual living spaces punctuated by an oversize fireplace. A large kitchen is steps from an outdoor dining area, which is covered by a pitched roof that extends inside. There’s a lower level that stores boating equipment, given that the water beckons from a short distance. There’s also plenty of room for visiting friends and family.

“The pitched roof allows for an attic above the main level, which can accommodate temporary guests, and there’s laundry and a large multipurpose space located in the base,” Fernández says.

Fernández and Schmidt kept the palette minimal to encourage a sense of relaxation, which is why nearly every surface is covered in pine. This choice once again ties the owners and their two kids to the land, which was their hope all along. “They have been on vacation here for two summers now,” Fernández says.

Project Details:

Architect of Record: Mas Fernández Arquitectura / @masfernandezarq

Builder and Structural Engineer: Mauricio Urzúa, Urzúa Soler Arquitectos / @urzuasoler_arquitectos

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A Lake House in Chilean Patagonia Takes Inspiration from Japanese Pagodas