minimalistic cabin by hebra arquitectos emerges from a stone plinth in chile

a minimalist house within chilian forest

Hebra Arquitectos has designed ‘Lecho Viejo’, a minimalist cabin located in a Chilian rocky forest. The final structure rests centrally on a stone plinth, with its two edges hovering slightly above the ground. In order to add extra support, the design team positioned a metal trestle — found in a dry stream — under one side of the volume. This way, the structure does not touch the terrain, maintaining a minimal impact on the landscape. All images by Hebra Arquitectos

prioritizing natural light and views

The design employs a simple layout, with the common areas — including the living room, dining room, and wood-burning kitchen — taking on the center. The sleeping areas with their individual bathroom are located at the ends, maximizing privacy for the inhabitants. This arrangement provides common spaces with a certain openness, optimizing daylight with six-meter wide glassing, four of which can fully open.

The architects‘ aim was to dilute the limits of the house, creating a feeling of seamless cohesion between ‘Lecho Viejo’s’ indoor and outdoor spaces. Thus, a deck was designed to cross the volume transversally, addressing the different land levels, letting some trees pass, and embracing a rock that was at the site.

A feeling of being immersed in the forest

The volume was clad in shingled wood and treated burned wood with the ‘Shou Sugi Ban’ method, while local stones covered the deck. By adopting these characteristics, the entire structure is smoothly integrated into the natural scenery, blending minimalism with traditional touches. Meanwhile, the one side of the gable roof is offset, generating clerestory windows that let additional daylight peeks through. Overall, Hebra Arquitectos aimed to bring occupants closer to nature, forming a breezy home that respects its surroundings.

A deck designed to expand the living space