Spiral Staircase as the Heart of Casa CG

Nestled on the rugged coastline of Punta de Hueso in Chile’s Coquimbo region, Casa CG by Lote Studio is a masterclass in harmonizing raw materials with dramatic geography. The home’s defining feature a spiral concrete staircase serves as both structural core and sculptural centerpiece, around which eight modular wooden volumes radiate in a precise grid. Architects Juan Pablo Gutiérrez García and José Ignacio Ferreira designed the residence as a nine-part composition, where the central concrete cylinder bears the load while the timber-framed sections float lightly above the terrain, minimizing ecological disruption.

A Symphony of Wood and Concrete

The home’s elevated structure rests on glulam wooden beams, cantilevered over the coastal slope to preserve the native flora below. The staircase’s poured-concrete form anchors the layout, with smaller beams and horizontal purlins layered above to create the main floor’s platform. This system not only distributes weight efficiently but also conceals the spiral stair from exterior sightlines, preserving the home’s geometric purity.

Layout: Privacy Meets Panorama

At the stair’s summit, a compact landing branches into public and private zones. The social spaces living room, dining area, and kitchen occupy three wooden modules, while two adjoining sections house the bedroom and bath. The remaining three modules extend into a wrap-around terrace, framing uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean. Oriented for sunset vistas, the terrace immerses residents in the coastal landscape, with wind and sunlight circulating freely beneath the raised structure.

Material Philosophy: Minimalism with Purpose

Lote Studio’s choice of exposed concrete and timber reflects a commitment to simplicity and durability. The concrete core handles compressive stresses, while the wood modules provide warmth and adaptability. The 9-grid layout not only organizes the interior logically but also echoes traditional Chilean vernacular, reimagined through a contemporary lens. The spiral stair, acting as a literal and metaphorical pivot, bridges earth and dwelling a reminder of humanity’s connection to nature.

Sustainability Through Elevation

By lifting the home above ground, the architects avoided extensive earthworks, allowing the ecosystem to thrive beneath. The design prioritizes passive climate control, with cross-ventilation and shading from the overhanging volumes. This approach reduces energy demands while celebrating the site’s natural dynamism waves, wind, and shifting light become integral to daily life.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

Casa CG’s elevated design brilliantly merges structural ingenuity with environmental sensitivity, using a spiral staircase as both functional anchor and artistic statement. While the modular grid achieves visual harmony, the reliance on concrete despite its carbon footprint raises questions about material sustainability in remote coastal builds. A deeper exploration of low-impact alternatives could strengthen the project’s ecological narrative. Nevertheless, the home’s dialogue with its landscape is exemplary, proving that thoughtful architecture can frame nature without dominating it. Lote Studio’s work here is a compelling reminder that restraint often yields the most resonant designs.