House in the Forest: Daiber & Aceituno Arquitectos’ Sustainable Forest Retreat in Puerto Varas
Nestled deep within the lush forests of Puerto Varas, Chile, the House in the Forest by Daiber & Aceituno Arquitectos offers a thoughtful and sustainable architectural refuge that embraces its natural surroundings. This compact, 100-square-meter home was designed with an acute sensitivity to the forest environment, prioritizing minimal terrain disruption and the intelligent use of materials. Raised delicately on concrete arches, the house minimizes its footprint while engaging harmoniously with the verdant landscape.
The design hinges on efficiency and economy, leveraging market-available materials arranged in modular dimensions to optimize construction speed, reduce waste, and control costs. A striking red corrugated metal exterior withstands the humid climate while standing out vibrantly among the dense greenery. Internally, a luminous central void acts as the heart of the home, providing natural light and spatial organization.
This project is more than just a dwelling; it is an architectural dialogue with the forest. By combining minimalist form, smart engineering, and a poetic connection to nature, Daiber & Aceituno Arquitectos have crafted a refuge that respects and elevates its environment.
Spatial Composition and Design Highlights
Compact and Elevated Volume
Set on a 1.25-acre forested plot, the House in the Forest balances compactness with openness. The two-story volume measures 6.5 meters in width—matching the length of two wooden beams—and is clad in durable red corrugated metal panels. This modular approach aligns with the dimensions of market-available materials like OSB panels, ensuring construction efficiency.
The residence is elevated on a series of concrete arches, serving as both foundation and bridge to the terrain below. This minimizes soil disruption and maintains the natural slope, showcasing a sensitive approach to site intervention.
Central Void as Architectural Heart
Inside, a central void punctuates the layout, creating a luminous core that organizes internal spaces. On the ground floor, this void connects the living and dining rooms, where a portion of the ceiling is open to a skylight above. The upper level hosts two bedrooms separated by this double-height space, forming a mezzanine overlooking the area below.
Warm, Natural Interiors
The interior palette emphasizes natural light and materiality. Wooden floors in soft tones and white-painted wood walls and ceilings amplify sunlight penetration, reinforcing the home’s bright and airy atmosphere. This deliberate choice enhances spatial comfort despite the house’s modest scale.
Table: Spatial Organization of House in the Forest
| Level | Function | Architectural Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Floor | Living, Dining, Kitchen | Open-plan with central void and skylight |
| Upper Floor | Bedrooms, Mezzanine | Overlooking double-height space, natural light |
| Foundation | Concrete arches | Elevated structure minimizing terrain impact |
Architectural Analysis
The design logic behind the House in the Forest revolves around harmonizing with the natural environment while maintaining economy and simplicity. The elevated concrete arches reduce the house’s footprint, preventing extensive excavation or grading on the forested slope. This structural decision enables a lighter ecological impact, a critical concern in sensitive natural areas.
Material selection further supports sustainability and durability. Corrugated metal panels protect the exterior against humid forest conditions, while wooden interiors create a warm, inviting atmosphere. The modular system based on market dimensions illustrates an intelligent approach to construction, reducing waste and speeding up building time without sacrificing design quality.
Critically, the central void is not just a spatial feature but a design strategy to maximize daylight and ventilation while visually connecting levels. The void helps regulate heat gain and loss by positioning windows strategically around it, promoting energy efficiency in this temperate climate.
Contextually, the home asserts itself as a contemporary forest retreat, distinct yet respectful. Its bold red color contrasts vividly with the greens, signaling human presence while the form and elevated design demonstrate ecological mindfulness.
Project Importance
The House in the Forest offers architects a compelling example of minimalist yet sensitive design in natural settings. It challenges traditional ground-contact architecture by embracing elevation to protect terrain and ecosystems. This project teaches the importance of balancing form, function, and environmental responsibility—critical in an era demanding more sustainable building practices.
Its modular and material-efficient construction methods provide a replicable blueprint for affordable yet architecturally significant forest dwellings. Moreover, the house’s poetic dialogue with the landscape elevates architecture beyond shelter to a gesture of respect and integration.
As climate change and urban sprawl continue to threaten natural habitats, projects like this highlight a vital direction: architecture that minimizes impact while maximizing connection.
✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight
The House in the Forest excels in fusing functional economy with poetic natural engagement. Its use of red corrugated metal panels and elevated concrete arches offers a striking visual contrast to the forest while preserving ecological sensitivity. Internally, the central void and warm wooden finishes create an inviting, luminous environment.
Yet, one might question whether the bold red facade risks overshadowing the subtlety of integration intended by the architects. Does such a vivid color disrupt the forest’s calm, or does it serve as a necessary human signature in a remote setting?
Despite this tension, the project succeeds as a thoughtful model of sustainable forest architecture—demonstrating how minimal intervention can coexist with architectural expression.
Conclusion
Daiber & Aceituno Arquitectos’ House in the Forest embodies a thoughtful approach to living within nature, balancing minimal environmental impact with compelling design. The project’s elevated concrete arches preserve the forest floor, and the modular use of standard materials highlights efficiency and sustainability. Its red corrugated metal cladding and central luminous void create a bold yet inviting architectural identity.
This home proves that simplicity need not sacrifice poetic engagement or ecological responsibility. Instead, it offers a replicable model for forest dwellings that respect their surroundings while providing comfort and beauty.
As the demand for sustainable, low-impact housing grows worldwide, projects like the House in the Forest serve as essential case studies, inspiring architects to craft spaces that live lightly on the land while fostering deep connections to nature.
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