in a rainy region of chile, LLU house references water's molecular structure

cazu zegers arquitectura, working alongside associate architects ian hsü and gabriel rudolphy, presents the ‘LLU house,’ formalized with a poetic design strategy influenced by its natural context. the house is situated in the wet region of los ríos in the south of chile, out of whose rainy condition is born two driving concepts — the ‘physical structure of water’ as a formal influence and the ‘protective mantle’ as a structural technique. the team looks toward the typical tent structures, or mantles, crafted by lumberjacks in the surroundings forests characterized by a nylon enclosure supported by a central pillar to allow rain to drain off. in the design of the timber volume’s distinctive geometry, the designers investigate the physical composition of a water molecule and its three connected elements.

image by ian hsu

with an organization influenced by the three connecting elements of a water molecule, the LLU house by cazu zegers arquitectura is divided into three primary zones across a single level. while the centralized element hosts shared spaces including an integrated kitchen, dining, and living area, the two lateral elements house bedrooms and more private spaces. the architectural language of the project expresses a typological hybridization integrating characteristics of both the north american loft and the traditional mantle shed of southern chile. the house stands on a structure of steel pillars which adjust to the sloping landscape and generate an occupiable terrace below.

image by ian hsu

the LLU house, with its combination of both local and modern typologies, is oriented within the forested site to enhance views across the vast and rainy landscape. the materiality, itself both rustic and contemporary, is achieved with the use of a steel cladding which had been first left to naturally oxidize and then strategically sealed upon reaching the desired color. the faceted geometry of the volume is expressed toward the lofty interior, lending a spatial richness characterized by subtle and unusual folds. these interiors are finished with locally sourced wood — comprising a variety of stains and tones — which had been upcycled from dismantled and derelict sheds across the region.

image by daniel corvillon