LAN architecture: hotel residence in atacama

'hotel residence in atacama' by LAN architecture in atacama, chile
all images courtesy LAN architecture


paris-based practice LAN architecture (benoit jallon, umberto napolitano) has designed 'hotel residence
in atacama', a multi-level lodging facility in the atacama desert in northern chile. faced with the task of
introducing a level of urbanity to a desolate site with extreme conditions, the project seeks to create
a micro city by combining programs of habitat, commerce, education, politics, and culture together.



west elevation


partially inserted into the natural slope of the site, the complex is read as a slim and linear volume
that stretches low to the ground. the glazed base of the building is recessed inwards to accommodate
a sheltered walkway, giving the illusion of a building floating above the land. with a west-ward
orientation, the design secures a panoramic view of the desert scenery.



approach



view of campus entrance


focusing around generating transitional spaces between outside and inside with minimal energy needs,
the project splits the program into two horizontal sections: the upper zone which accommodates the guests' rooms,
and the lower zone which hosts the common areas. distributed among three levels, each rooms are arranged
for optimal orientation and views with semi-private terraces. the layout of the upper zone generates
the form of the common spaces below, with two piazzas to the east and west that can be used at different
times of the day depending on available light.



interior view of pool area and garden


the ground floor is composed of a wet zone - sports facilities to the gardens - and a dry zone - restaurants,
lounges, and multipurpose room. with a 12m ceiling height, the swimming pool serves as a winter garden
with an interior landscaped area that offers a different microclimate from the desert environment.
the restaurant remains visually connected with the landscape as well as the internal activities of
the west piazza.












site



schematic diagram



exploded axonometric with programs



section diagram through west plaza



section diagram through east plaza



cross section



cross section



floor plan / level 0



floor plan / level +1



floor plan / level +2



floor plan / level +3



longitudinal section



west elevation



east elevation









structural diagram


project info:

client: european organization for astronomical research in the southern hemisphere
project surface: 5,800 m2
structure: bollinger-grohmann