Imagine a home that seamlessly blends modern living with eco-conscious design, all while showcasing breathtaking mountain views. This is precisely what the architect has achieved with this prefabricated house on the outskirts of Santiago, Chile.
This unique residence wasn’t built with traditional bricks and mortar. Instead, the designer cleverly repurposed shipping containers, giving them a whole new life as a stylish and sustainable home for an art collector and his family.
A Sustainable Sanctuary
The project’s focus went beyond creating a beautiful space. Environmental considerations were a major priority. By using recycled shipping containers, the construction process reduced waste and embodied less environmental impact. Additionally, the clever design prioritizes natural ventilation, minimizing the need for energy-guzzling air conditioning systems.
Embracing the Andes
The home’s location offered a stunning backdrop: the majestic Andes Mountains. The architect didn’t want to obstruct this view; instead, he designed the house to integrate with it. The containers were strategically placed on a sloped plane, creating a tiered effect that mimicked the mountain’s natural form. This clever placement also created a unique entrance and tilted bedrooms for the children, each featuring a skylight that doubles as a cozy bed nook.
Breathing Easy: Natural Ventilation Takes Center Stage
The mild mountain climate offered a perfect opportunity to leverage natural cooling. The architect achieved this by organizing the house layout in stripes. In between these stripes are interstitial spaces that allow cool air from the mountains to flow freely throughout the home. This ingenious design not only provides natural ventilation but also increases the house’s perimeter, maximizing the potential for light and air to enter from multiple directions.
This stunning prefabricated home in Santiago, Chile, is the brainchild of architect Sebastián Irarrázaval
A Symphony of Simplicity
The material selection reflects the home’s focus on sustainability and low maintenance. The exterior is wrapped in a unified material that creates a ventilated facade, further regulating the interior temperature. This focus on simple, low-maintenance materials extends to the windows, doors, and skylights, which are strategically placed to promote air circulation and create a cohesive aesthetic.
A Home that Grows with Time
The use of low-maintenance materials extends beyond practicality. The architect specifically chose materials that age well, allowing the home to develop a unique character over time. This philosophy ensures the house won’t look dated but rather will gain a timeless charm as the years go by.
Beyond the Prefab
This prefabricated home in Santiago is a testament to innovative design and sustainable practices. The architect’s creative use of recycled shipping containers has resulted in a beautiful, functional, and eco-friendly dwelling that celebrates the surrounding landscape. The home serves as an inspiration for those seeking a unique and sustainable way to live amidst nature’s beauty.
