Lake Rupanco marks the northern boundary of Patagonia, the cusp of South America where Chile thins out to make room for Argentina. We are in the Región de Los Lagos, in a mountainous area of volcanic origin, extending the Andes towards the lakes, and it is here that Ignacio Correa's studio has completed its latest project. 

Forest House is a summer residence located on the slopes of the mountains surrounding the northern shore of the lake, on a plateau covered by a hazel forest that opens up into large views where the vegetation becomes less dense. The very choice of location for the house was based on an initial mapping of existing trees, listed by position and size in order to preserve the surrounding forest.

“The significance of this work has to do with visualising the place where the construction of the project is possible and relevant, that is, where it does not interfere with the landscape but rather enhances it” writes the architect in the project report. 

The house is developed in lengthwise on the southern edge of the plot, so as to create a contrast between its horizontality and the height of the forest, and to relate each single interior space to the view of the lake. Elevated on a platform about one metre above the ground, it consists of a central patio that separates collective spaces – a large living area with an open kitchen – from private spaces – two double rooms and a master bedroom – while opening onto a small clearing overlooking the lake and the mouth of the river below.

The roof consists of a single-pitch sheet metal roof that rests on a system of small wooden pillars placed in the thickness of the walls. The house is recognisable by its two opposing fronts: towards the north – the direction from which the austral sun comes – the roof rises to seek out the sunlight; towards the south, on the other hand, the pitch descends to frame the view of the lake, transforming the house into a landscape viewer.

The slight twist between collective and private spaces, which is subtly manifested in the floor plan, becomes an element of surprise that enriches spatial experience. The interiors are composed of juxtaposed light wood plank walls and large windows opening onto the forest landscape, which are contrasted in the patio by massive concrete walls.

Even the external image of the building, despite its apparent simplicity, highlights a skilful play of solids and voids given by the balanced positioning of the openings, which allow a continuous dialogue with the landscape.
Constructive simplicity and landscape sensitivity come together in pursuit of a reflection on living in symbiosis with nature, in which every detail is designed to enhance the tranquillity and power of the surrounding landscape