- Project: Mirador House
- Architect: Cristobal Noguera
- Location: Chile, Frutillar
- Year: 2019
- Area: 140 m2
- Photography: Andrés Maturana
Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Llanquihue in Frutillar, Chile, the Mirador House by Cristobal Noguera & Abarca + Palma demonstrates how compact design can achieve both efficiency and elegance. Completed in 2019, this 1,506-square-foot single-family residence balances architectural clarity, sustainable construction, and a deep connection to its landscape.
Compact and Efficient Layout
The house is based on a nearly square 140 m² floor plan designed to minimize circulation and maximize usable living space. At the core lies a central living area, seamlessly connecting the kitchen and main lounge, while bedrooms radiate outward to maintain functional flow.
This layout not only conserves space but also strengthens the continuity between indoor and outdoor living, offering open views of the lake and surrounding volcanoes.
Orientation and Natural Light
The home is carefully oriented with its main façade facing north, ensuring maximum solar exposure throughout the year. A continuous ribbon window wraps the volume, bathing the interiors in natural light while helping retain warmth in winter.
Access is located at the rear, marked by a “chiflonera” volume in glass and wood, which links the entry to the garden through an extended deck.
Prefabricated Construction and Materials
Efficiency extends to construction through a mixed prefabricated system:
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SIP panels form the insulated thermal envelope (160 mm thick).
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A wooden structure provides pillars, beams, and diagonals.
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Foundations consist of isolated supports that carry a wooden slab frame.
The interiors feature exposed wood in window frames and skylights, paired with white walls and ceilings for a bright and airy atmosphere. Externally, micro-corrugated white zinc cladding wraps the house with a ventilated façade, ensuring durability and material continuity, while natural wood details soften the look and tie the residence to its environment.
A Dialogue Between Home and Landscape
The design philosophy behind Mirador House is rooted in spatial, economic, and energy efficiency, achieved without compromising aesthetics. The home’s panoramic glazing and honest material palette create a dialogue with the surrounding trees, hills, and lake, making it both a practical dwelling and a celebration of its setting.
