Casa Hualle

An Imposing Monolithic Structure Mimics Its Volcanic Neighbor

Set within a dazzling landscape of lakes and open vistas under the imposing Villarrica volcano, this holiday home in Chile is a striking addition to the scenery. Designed by Chilean and UK-based architecture and design studio, Ampueroyutronic, its scale and pure, monolithic proportions engage dramatically with the site. 

With the seemingly random composition, the building’s expressive, irregular shape and sculptural forms emphasize, as well as contrast with the natural environment. Clad in black wood, the project takes its cue from the region’s many homes lined with dark volcanic rocks and maximizes the spectacular views from the strategically placed windows. The cool and calm interiors are the epitome of simplicity, designed with an absence of superfluous detail and pure, tactile materials. 

A dynamic and inspiring residence, this holiday home is a Chic Nomad’s modern retreat in Chile. 

This striking holiday home in Chile’s Araucania lake region is set within the vast, rural foothills under the watchful eye of the Villarrica volcano. Set on a gently sloping hillside, the home’s placement takes advantage of the site’s privileged spot with commanding views of both the volcano and the lake below. Designed by native Chileans Javier Ampuero and Catalina Yutronic, the design duo’s practice focuses on collaboration and exploration of themes as well as functionality and comfort.

Clad in black timber, the imposing silhouette soars two-stories high, with expressive geometric forms and seemingly random window placement that capture the most spectacular aspects of the landscape. The interiors are in stark contrast to the dark exteriors and emulate the folding structure of the roofline with an otherworldly luminosity derived from the the pale, warm wood, polished concrete floors and abundant natural light.

Organized around a central double-height, open-plan space that serves as the social heart of the house, the ground floor includes the living room, a fully equipped kitchen with dining area, and two en suite guest bedrooms on either side. The en-suite master bedroom is accessed by a large, cleverly designed stair way that doubles as a library and studio space, with a gallery that overlooks the main living spaces below. Furnished to an absolute minimum, each piece was designed by the duo to complement the interiors. 

The eco-friendly design incorporates passive energy saving features that encourage sustainability, harnessing or minimizing solar gain and regulating temperatures through thermal mass, with primary heating provided by a wood burning stove. 

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Wifi throughout, kitchen and bath amenities, laundry facilities.

AROUND

Pucon in central Chile’s lake district boasts a wealth of spectacular natural beauty, with Andes mountain volcanoes, crystal clear lakes and waterfalls, and expansive nature reserves and hot springs. 

Located in the country’s Araucania region, the town is charming and compact and lightly populated (except for high season when the town is an adventure tourist mecca) with a handful of great restaurants, microbreweries, interesting shops and a devoted expat population. Pucon lake beaches can get crowded in high season so head to Playa Blanca on Caburga lake for a quieter alternative or nearby Villarrica and Tinquilco. 

Villarrica National Park, Huerquehue National Park and El Cañi, a private protected area, contain miles of hiking trails through ancient forests, old volcanic craters and lagoons.  For hearty and brave souls, take a guided ascent of Villarrica volcano and caves. 

LOCATION 

Pucon, Chile. Nearest Airport: The Pucon Airport only operates in summer. For 

  

BEST TIME TO VISIT: In Spring (September through November) and Fall (March through May) temps are mild with Summer (December to the middle of March) drawing the biggest crowds.