Juan Carlos Sabbagh Arquitectos has completed La Chupalla House, a thoughtfully designed family residence in Vitacura, Chile, that addresses the evolving needs of multi-generational living. The 400-square-meter home, completed in 2023, takes its name from the traditional Chilean straw hat worn by rural workers, which its distinctive architectural form resembles.
The architectural team, led by Juan Carlos Sabbagh Cruz with design collaboration from Trinidad Fernandez Cox, was commissioned to create a home for a large family requiring numerous bedrooms and expansive common areas. Recognizing that many rooms would eventually become unused as children mature and leave home, the architects made the strategic decision to separate the program across two levels. The children's rooms are located on the second floor, while the parents' quarters and primary common areas occupy the first level, ensuring the parents can continue using the home comfortably without the emotional weight of seeing empty spaces.
The second-level rooms were designed with flexibility in mind, allowing for future transformation according to changing needs. Living areas can be converted into offices, and bedrooms can be combined to create larger guest accommodations. This adaptive approach ensures the home remains functional throughout different phases of family life.
The challenging site presented unique opportunities and constraints. Located on the first lot of a four-house condominium, the property slopes down three meters from street level and is crossed by an irrigation canal, creating a naturally buried setting. The architects responded by orienting the house toward the north and positioning it as far back as possible from the street to maximize sunlight exposure and visual spaciousness.
To address the site's topographical challenges, the house was elevated one meter above grade to prevent it from feeling buried. Three distinct platforms were created to facilitate a gradual ascent through functional spaces that work harmoniously with the natural topography. The lowest platform houses the main residence, while a grassy area sits one meter higher, connected to the house through a large staircase that doubles as seating and expands the terrace space. The highest platform, positioned against the street, features a pool that creates a waterfall running the entire length toward the house, taking advantage of the elevation difference.
The interior design prioritizes openness and integration with the surrounding landscape. The first floor was conceived as a completely open space with minimal necessary walls, creating seamless integration with the garden. The house is separated from its southern boundary to create an access patio from parking areas and an additional patio along the dining room, living room, and master bedroom, reinforcing the sensation of being surrounded by garden space through complete north-south transparency.
A water basin incorporated into the southern patio works in conjunction with the prevailing summer south wind, which accelerates as it passes through the house due to the Venturi effect. This natural ventilation system helps cool the interior when sliding windows on both facades are opened, demonstrating the architects' commitment to passive environmental design strategies.
The construction methodology combines two distinct material approaches across the two levels. The first level features exposed concrete walls that provide structural support for the completely wooden volume above. A platform constructed from laminated wooden beams spaced every 40 centimeters supports the second floor, creating an interior texture that enhances and warms the space while forming a northern eave that provides shade for the main terrace during summer months while allowing winter sunlight to penetrate.
The second level's volume consists of lightweight panels covered with a ventilated skin of thermally treated wood. The openings feature wooden slats of the same material, providing protection against intense summer sun while maintaining visual continuity with the overall design aesthetic. This careful attention to material selection and detailing reflects the architects' understanding of Chile's climate conditions and their commitment to creating comfortable interior environments.
The project team included interior design by Tfc diseño under Trinidad Fernandez Cox's direction, landscape design by Area Arquitectura y paisaje led by Magdalena Sabbagh Cruz, structural engineering by Ingevsa SA with Eduardo Valenzuela Sabbagh, electrical engineering by ICGSA Ingenieria Electrica under Carlos Gana Undurraga, and additional services engineering by RyV Ingenieros. Photography was provided by Cristobal Palma of Estudio Palma, capturing the home's integration with its natural setting and the interplay between interior and exterior spaces.
La Chupalla House represents a thoughtful response to contemporary family living needs while honoring Chilean architectural traditions. The design successfully balances practical considerations for multi-generational use with environmental responsiveness and cultural references, creating a home that adapts to its users' changing needs while maintaining a strong connection to place and heritage.
