ricardo torrejon forms casa CML as a refined weekend retreat in chile

ricardo torrejon forms casa CML as a refined weekend retreat in chile
all images © felipe fontecilla

santiago-based firm ricardo torrejon architects have shared their project ‘casa CML’ – a weekend retreat based in the hacienda los aromos in chile. the project – created in collaboration with architect arturo chadwick – sits on an uneven but vast plot of land measuring 5,000 square meters.

the form of the residence takes shape as four winged volumes

the dwelling is formed as a four winged volume of rectangular blocks which rest on a concrete base. the architects wanted the building to be a nod to the landscape and structurally, the main structure is composed of 2×4” pine lumber and reinforced with steel tubes that prevent wood deformations.

the interior is a refined blend of concrete flooring, glass with light pine walls

inside, the home is a refined blend of timber, concrete and glass. the straightforward floorplan integrates the outer scenery and also a private interenal courtyard, while each room wrapped in a lightly stained pine wood. the children’s bedroom acts as a common space and above, a flexible loft space serves as a family room. instead of using punched windows, the timber paneling is interrupted to reveal large openings or ‘blind walls’ that at the same time invites light and frames the immediate context.

a corner plot has been walled off to form an internal garden

‘the luxury aspect of this house was given not necessarily by using expensive features, but by the use of a reduced palette of natural materials rather than industrial products. we invested in quality space: overall interior height, integrated rooms, and the contrast between immediate surrounding and distant views towards the geographical context.’

large openings and doors provide a constant glimpse of the chilean landscape

bunkbeds are used in the children’s room

all floors in the house, including baths and kitchen, are white stained in-place-polished concrete

the dwelling is based on a 5,000 sqm plot of land

the volume is placed on an upper part of a gentle slope, resulting in the 3.40m interior height