A striking new residential project has emerged on the outskirts of Coyhaique, the capital of Chile's Aysén region, where contemporary architecture meets the untamed beauty of Patagonia. The Lucerna House, designed by SAA Arquitectura + Territorio and completed in 2024, represents a thoughtful integration of modern living with the region's unique natural environment.
The 220-square-meter primary residence sits strategically positioned on a plot of land that bridges two distinct ecosystems - the open pampas grasslands and an ancient forest of ñires (Nothofagus antartica). This careful site selection allows the home to serve as a transitional element between these contrasting landscapes, creating a dialogue between built and natural environments.
Lead architect Sergio Araneda Maiz, working alongside design team members Sebastian Guerrero and Melissa Thomas, developed a design philosophy that respects the dramatic Patagonian setting while providing modern comfort and functionality. The architectural approach emphasizes the relationship between interior and exterior spaces, allowing residents to experience the changing seasons and weather patterns that define this remote region.
The house's design takes full advantage of its unique location, with carefully positioned windows and openings that frame views of both the expansive grasslands and the intimate forest setting. The structure appears to float lightly on the landscape, minimizing its environmental impact while maximizing the connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces.
Wood serves as the primary material throughout the project, reflecting both practical considerations for the local climate and an aesthetic choice that harmonizes with the natural surroundings. The material selection demonstrates sensitivity to the harsh Patagonian weather conditions while creating warm, inviting interior spaces that contrast with the often dramatic exterior environment.
Photographer Esteban Arteaga's documentation of the completed project reveals how the house changes character throughout the day and seasons, with natural light playing across the wooden surfaces and creating dynamic relationships between shadow and illumination. The images showcase how the architecture responds to the ever-changing Patagonian sky and weather patterns.
The Lucerna House represents a growing trend in contemporary Chilean architecture, where designers are increasingly focused on creating structures that respond sensitively to their specific geographic and climatic contexts. This project demonstrates how modern residential design can enhance rather than compete with dramatic natural settings, offering a model for sustainable development in sensitive environmental areas.
