Casa Hualle

Set within a dazzling landscape of lakes and open vistas under the imposing Villarrica volcano, this holiday home in Chile’s Araucania region is a striking addition to the scenery.

Designed by native Chileans Javier Ampuero and Catalina Yutronic – the duo behind Ampueroyutronic design studio – its scale and pure monolithic proportions engage dramatically with the site. Ampueroyutronic’s practice focuses on collaboration and exploration of themes as well as functionality and comfort.

With the seemingly random composition, the building’s expressive, irregular shape and sculptural forms emphasize as well as contrast with the natural environment.

Clad in black wood, the project takes its cue from the region’s many homes lined with dark volcanic rocks and maximizes the spectacular views with strategically-placed windows.

The cool and calm interiors are the epitome of simplicity, designed with an absence of superfluous detail and pure, tactile materials. 
A dynamic and inspiring residence, this holiday home is a Chic Nomad’s modern retreat in Chile. 

Set on a gently sloping hillside, the home’s placement takes advantage of the site’s privileged spot with commanding views of both the volcano and the lake below. 

The imposing silhouette soars two-stories high, with expressive geometric forms and seemingly random window placement that capture the most spectacular aspects of the landscape. 

The interiors are in stark contrast to the dark exteriors and emulate the folding structure of the roofline with an otherworldly luminosity derived from the pale wood, polished concrete floors, and abundant natural light.
Organized around a central double-height, open-plan space that serves as the social heart of the house, the ground floor includes the living room, a fully equipped kitchen with dining area, and two en suite guest bedrooms on either side. 

The en suite master bedroom is accessed by a large, cleverly designed stairway that doubles as a library and studio space, with a gallery that overlooks the main living spaces below.

Furnished to an absolute minimum, each piece was designed by the duo to complement the interiors. 

The eco-friendly design incorporates passive energy-saving features that encourage sustainability, harnessing or minimizing solar gain and regulating temperatures through thermal mass, with primary heating provided by a wood burning stove.