Family Vacation House Challenged By A Desert Site

Nature is constantly challenging us and that’ how we evolve and find new solutions for old problems, expand our knowledge and come up with ingenious concepts. Architects and now able to cope with various difficult site conditions. For example, Casa C14 is a vacation home built in Huentalenquen, Chile. It’s surrounded by a rocky ground, cacti and small hills but that doesn’t stop it from making the most of the area.

Casa C14 ramp and deck
Casa C14 viewed from the side

The house was built between 2014 and 2015 and was designed by nüform, an architecture studio for which every project is special. They focus on establishing a friendly relationship between the houses they build and their surroundings and Casa C14 is representative in this sense.

Casa C14 architecture
Casa C14 sunset view

The house has a total floor area of 130 square meters organized on a single level. The interesting part in this case is the foundation which elevates the house and forms a sloping ramp in the continuation of the outdoor deck.

Casa C14 ramp design

Casa C14 glazed facade and deck

An interesting visual effect is created thanks to the use of wood and concrete for the facade and frame of the house. A straight line is drawn, making the foundation seem higher. The windows, however, offer a glimpse at the actual structure of the interior.

Casa C14 outdoor deck

Casa C14 wooden deck

This vacation home was built for a family with four kids. It had to be spacious and family-friendly but it also had to show a lot of respect for the site and the surrounding landscape. Everything in its design speaks for that.

Casa C14 outdoor dining room
Casa C14 outdoor dining area

The comfortable hideaway has a beautiful dialogue with its surroundings, featuring colors that allow it to blend in. Another interesting details is the fact that, as the architects have declared, the house is totally unplugged.

Casa C14 indoor outdoor connection
Casa C14 social areas

Electricity is provided by solar panels and the nearby river serves as a source of water. The water is stored in two tall containers and gravity leads it to the destination. It’s one of the things that make this desert house stand out.

Casa C14 sliding glass walls
Casa C14 interior living spaces

The house’s connection to the surroundings is perhaps the most important defining characteristic of this whole project. The interior is open to the exterior and the scenery provides a wonderful backdrop for the comfortable living spaces.

Casa C14 glass walls
Casa C14 side window

The outdoor wooden deck and the sloped ramp serve as a buffer between the interior spaces the vast outdoors, establishing a smooth and seamless transition between the two zones.

Casa C14 landscape with cacti