Marvelous Weekend House In Chile Maximized Sunlight And Privacy

Located in Santo Domingo, Chile this weekend house has a very simple design directly shaped by the land surrounding it, the climate as well as other elements including the small budget allocated for this project. The Aglae House as it is called was designed and built by studio AFARQ Arquitectos. They avoided adding any unnecessary features as one of their main objectives was to keep the cost low and they also had to deal with the strong winds which translates into the fact that the house was slightly raised and an interior courtyard was created.

It's easily noticeable that the entire house is slightly raised, a design decision influences by the local climate
It’s easily noticeable that the entire house is slightly raised, a design decision influences by the local climate
An inner courtyard is sheltered by a wall wood-covered wall and by vegetation
An inner courtyard is sheltered by a wall wood-covered wall and by vegetation
The living area opens toward the courtyard but the transition is not seamless because of the different in flooring height
The living area opens toward the courtyard but the transition is not seamless because of the different in flooring height

The coastal area provides the house with beautiful views which are emphasized throughout the volumes, especially in the master bedroom which is the only one oriented to the West. This allows it to capture the wonderful view of the sunset every day. The main facade of the house is partially closed, featuring a wall covered in larch wood. The living room is beautifully integrated with the courtyard where there’s a swimming pool and a small wooden deck protected by the tall wall. All main areas of the house are oriented to the North in order to maximize sunlight. All of this ultimately contributes to the simple yet very practical and user-friendly nature of the house.

The courtyard has a swimming pool and a wooden deck with a small sitting area
The courtyard has a swimming pool and a wooden deck with a small sitting area
The house has a very simple and clean geometry and a flat roof, a look that keeps the cost low
The house has a very simple and clean geometry and a flat roof, a look that keeps the cost low
The interior living area is a combination between the kitchen, dining room and the usual sitting area
The interior living area is a combination between the kitchen, dining room and the usual sitting area
The side facing the courtyard is mostly open with privacy screens which offer a cozy vibe
The side facing the courtyard is mostly open with privacy screens which offer a cozy vibe
The outdoor deck is positioned at a slightly lower level compared to the internal spaces
The outdoor deck is positioned at a slightly lower level compared to the internal spaces
The house in general is modest both in design and size which is best reflected in this bedroom
The house in general is modest both in design and size which is best reflected in this bedroom
The front facade is all closed and dark with the exception of the bright red front door
The front facade is all closed and dark with the exception of the bright red front door
The master bedroom is the only space facing west which gives it a marvelous view of the sunset
The master bedroom is the only space facing west which gives it a marvelous view of the sunset