stanaćev granados' 'kuvo house' is a white timber cube in chile

a coastal retreat in chile

Architecture studio Stanaćev Granados has completed this Kuvo House, a unique timber dwelling in the coastal Chilean town of Matanzas. Their task was to design a compact seventy-square-meter house that sensitively occupied its natural surroundings while providing modern comfort for a youthful client.

Casa Kuvo takes the form of a simple six meter cubic prism. At first glance, it appears abstract and somewhat disconnected from its environment, while a closer examination reveals that every facet and square opening in this cubic structure serves a specific purpose. These design choices address essential aspects such as lighting, ventilation, interior views, and orientation. To the south and west, the house shields itself from the formidable southern winds and temperature fluctuations, ensuring a comfortable living space. Meanwhile, the north and east sides open up to embrace the morning sun and scenic views.

images © Manu Granados

casa kuvo: a white timber prism

The exterior cladding of Casa Kuvo shows the thoughtful, dual purpose design by Stanaćev Granados. The architects‘ use of white serves to accentuate the structure’s volumetric qualities, playing with light and shadow to create a dynamic visual experience, especially on sunny days. Meanwhile, the choice of white allows the house to gracefully disappear into the coastal fog known as ‘coastal troughs,’ an atmospheric phenomenon characteristic of the area. This blending effect with the surroundings showcases the architects’ deep understanding of the coastal environment.

contemporary simplicity by stanaćey Granados

As a vacation home intended for rental purposes and located in a marine environment, Casa Kuvo needed to withstand both robust use and the test of time. Stanaćev Granados responded to this challenge with an architectural approach that embraces simplicity and durability. The sole material used is wood, emphasizing a natural, weathered look that complements the passage of time. Raw stained pine is used for the exterior, while brushed satin-stained pine graces the interior, showcasing the varied textures of wood throughout the house.

The elegance of Casa Kuvo lies in its simplicity. Flush windows and the unadorned treatment of all exterior doors emphasize the house’s cubic volume, creating a clean and harmonious aesthetic. This design choice not only enhances the overall visual appeal but also ensures that the facades remain unobstructed, allowing the cladding boards to cast their natural shadows.

To maximize space and create an open and inviting atmosphere, Stanaćev Granados employed a two-level layout. Services and equipment are strategically placed along the perimeter, freeing up as much usable space as possible. The lower level boasts a single, open, and flexible area that seamlessly integrates the living room, dining area, and kitchen, along with a bathroom and storage space. The upper level houses the bedrooms and the main bathroom. The staircase, semi-hidden on the lower floor, adds a dynamic element as it ascends, opening up towards the house’s interior and the surrounding landscape.