cristian hrdalo cantilevers casa paravicini off chilean coast

located in beranda, chile, 150 kilometers north of santiago is the paravicini house anchored into a steep hillside overlooking the pacific ocean. the cristian hrdalo designed home sits on a 2,700 m2 beach-front site with direct access to the landscape. the clients, a swiss family of 5, wanted to assure that each room in the home enjoyed seaside views, leading to a design that spans the entire width of the site and shares a glass façade facing the ocean.

the house provides direct private access to the beach below
image © nico saieh (also main image)

many of the elements seen in cristian hrdalo’s material palette can be experienced in casa paravicini. rough-sawn planks were used to form the concrete walls and ceilings, leaving the deep timber grain imprinted on the surface. the passage of light and shadow seeping into the house from the many openings located around the house exposes the rich texture on the primary structure.

embedded into the hillside, the structure almost blends into its environment
image © nico saieh

from the entry to the site, the home sits below sight line with only a small elevator structure suggesting the presence of the construction. an exterior stair leads to the front door sunken in a concealed patio and offering the first transverse glimpses through the house. the first level contains the living areas- kitchen, dining and great rooms, as well as two guest bedrooms that all share a glass façade facing the sea. travertine floors reflect light to all spaces in the building, helping also to help conceal the sand tracked into the home.

from the entry above, only the elevator tower can be seen from the street, maintaining a low profile
image © nico saieh

a series of terraces step down the hillside in front of the main living room, containing an infinity pool lowered below the first floor elevation so as not to block any views, and a more private jacuzzi below. trails connect to the terraces and ground story, allowing direct access onto the beach from the social areas.

front entrance protected by a cantilevered plane
image © nico saieh

image © nico saieh

the upstairs contains the private bedrooms and master suite along with a smaller living area that establishes a buffer from the master bedroom. private terraces at each room ensure unparalleled beachfront views complete with plenty of natural light and natural ventilation.

lowered pool connects with the sea beyond
image © nico saieh