Lote Studio has completed Casa CG, an innovative residential project located in Chile's Coquimbo region that showcases a unique architectural approach featuring wooden beams positioned atop a distinctive concrete spiral staircase. The house, designed by architects Juan Pablo Gutiérrez García and José Ignacio Ferreira, sits prominently on the coastal edge of Punta Hueso, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The architectural concept centers around a carefully planned nine-part grid structure that defines the home's overall design. Eight of these sections are constructed from wood and form the building's outer perimeter, while the ninth section occupies the central position as a concrete spiral staircase that serves as the primary entrance to the residence. This central core is entirely made from concrete and acts as the structural backbone of the entire building.
One of the most striking features of Casa CG is its elevated design, which raises the entire structure above ground level. This innovative approach serves multiple purposes: it protects the existing vegetation and soil beneath the building while providing the residents with scenic views in all directions. The elevated position allows the home to float above the landscape, creating minimal environmental impact while maximizing the visual connection to the surrounding coastal environment.
The construction methodology employed by Lote Studio demonstrates sophisticated engineering. The main framework utilizes laminated wooden beams that connect directly to the central circular concrete core. The structural system becomes more complex as smaller beams are strategically placed on top of the main supporting beams. Additionally, horizontal wooden supports known as purlins are arranged on top of these smaller beams, creating a layered structural system that forms the foundation for the main floor. This intricate arrangement effectively conceals the spiral staircase from view when looking at the building from the exterior.
Upon ascending the concrete spiral staircase, visitors arrive at a small hallway that serves as the distribution point for the home's interior spaces. From this central location, the layout intelligently separates into distinct public and private zones. The public areas encompass the living room, dining room, and kitchen, which are strategically positioned within three of the wooden sections. Meanwhile, the private spaces include a bedroom and bathroom, housed within two additional wooden sections.
The design philosophy of Casa CG emphasizes simplicity and clean lines throughout, reflecting Lote Studio's commitment to minimalist architecture. This approach to simplicity extends seamlessly from the interior spaces to the exterior elements, culminating in a thoughtfully designed balcony area. The balcony occupies the remaining three wooden sections and provides residents and visitors with unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean. The strategic orientation of this outdoor space allows occupants to witness spectacular sunsets as they unfold gradually over the water, creating a natural theater for one of nature's most beautiful daily performances.
The elevated position of the residence offers additional environmental benefits beyond the preservation of ground-level vegetation. By raising the structure above the natural grade, the design allows plants and soil to remain completely undisturbed, maintaining the ecological integrity of the site. Furthermore, this configuration promotes natural air circulation, as wind and sunlight can move freely around and beneath the home, contributing to natural ventilation and energy efficiency.
The material palette for Casa CG reflects a deliberate choice between two primary elements: wood and concrete. These materials work in harmony, with the concrete section in the center bearing the majority of the structural load while the wooden elements define and shape the remaining portions of the building. This material distribution creates both functional efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
The structural system relies on the innovative arrangement of beams and purlins to support the raised floor configuration. This engineering approach not only enables the elevated design but also significantly reduces the building's impact on the surrounding land. The minimal ground contact preserves the natural landscape while providing a stable foundation for the residence.
The architectural composition follows a clear geometric pattern, with the nine-section layout giving Casa CG its distinctive boxy appearance while simultaneously helping to organize the interior spaces efficiently. The circular concrete center creates a strong focal point and clearly marks the building's entrance, while the outer wooden sections contain the various living spaces in an organized and logical manner.
The spiral staircase functions as more than just a means of vertical circulation; it serves as a symbolic and physical connection between the ground plane and the elevated living spaces. As visitors ascend this sculptural element, they are gradually introduced to the natural views that the elevated position offers, creating an anticipatory experience that builds toward the panoramic vistas available from within the home.
The project demonstrates how contemporary architecture can respond sensitively to coastal environments while creating comfortable and functional living spaces. By elevating the structure and using a minimal material palette, Lote Studio has created a design that respects the natural setting while providing modern amenities and spectacular views. The integration of the concrete spiral staircase with the wooden beam system represents an innovative structural solution that serves both practical and aesthetic purposes, making Casa CG a notable example of contemporary Chilean residential architecture.
