sebastian irarrazaval's 2y house sits within chilean tree-scape

built amid the dense coastal forest of colico, chile, the 2y house was designed by local practice sebastian irarrazaval arquitectos to respond to two briefs established by the client: first, to integrate as much as possible into the wooded landscape, and secondly, to benefit from natural light throughout the duration of the day. these two determinations directly correspond to the floor plan and name of the project, resulting in two y-shaped forks connected at their tails like fingers combing between the tree trunks. wood is used as the primary material, a nod to local architectural tradition and to the very elements of the site which are held to the highest esteem. as a contrast to the prevalent color of the green forest, a red stained wood helps preserve the external facades while juxtaposing the house as an object in the landscape.

image © felipe diaz contardo (also first image)

the structure is supported on a rather intensive series of timber posts, most suited to the sloped site without disturbing the natural growth of vegetation along the ground. the pilotis also allow the design to integrate into the landscape on a vertical axis, at times following the natural grade of the hillside allowing the inhabitant to connect with the topography, while at others defiantly projecting out towards space to offer leveled platforms with views over a degrading coast.  calculated windows complement full glass partitions along the floor plan ensuring each section of the home receives daylight from at least two sides regardless of the orientation of the specific wing, at the same time providing privacy to the bedrooms and bathrooms. 

the lowest area of the house sits the highest above natural grade, with full glass walls at the bifurcation of the floor plan
image © felipe diaz contardo

the interior maintains the wooden composition of the home with natural planks comprising every design element, both structural and ornamental. various terraces along either side of the central axis provide for outdoor spaces that extend the interior into the surrounding vegetation. almost every section of the home contains at least three planes of glass extending views and enjoying plenty of natural light.

large outdoor terraces extend the interior into the forest canopy
image © felipe diaz contardo

the highly dense and extremely heavy engineered gypsum fiberboard panels reflect sound
image © felipe diaz contardo

after nine and a half years of construction, the project is finally nearing completion
image © felipe diaz contardo

image © felipe diaz contardo

image © felipe diaz contardo

glass walls ensure plenty of natural light throughout the interior
image © felipe diaz contardo

the one-story home maintains a subtle scale in the landscape
image © felipe diaz contardo

image © felipe diaz contardo

natural wood planks make up the entire interior
image © felipe diaz contardo

views from staircases help activate the interior space
image © felipe diaz contardo

image © felipe diaz contardo

dark slate stone keeps with the palette of natural materials
image © felipe diaz contardo

the home descends along natural grade, with a central courtyard that illuminates he interior
image © felipe diaz contardo

at the very end of the house, a small platform surrounded by glass juts out towards the lake
image © felipe diaz contardo

circulation is in constant exposure to the exterior
image © felipe diaz contardo

image © felipe diaz contardo

image © felipe diaz contardo

image © felipe diaz contardo

the home is situated along the lake’s coast
image © felipe diaz contardo

image © felipe diaz contardo

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project info:

architect: sebastian irarrazaval
collaborators: macarena burdiles, alicia argüeles
structural engineer: felipe cardemil
construction: jorge ibacache
built area: 350 m2
location: colico, chile
year of the project: 2013
year of construction: 2016
photographer: felipe diaz contardo

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