gonzalo iturriaga arquitectos folds roof into angled entrance in chile’s mountaineer refuge

situated on the chilean andes, in the comuna de san esteban, ‘mountaineer’s refuge’ by gonzalo iturriaga arquitectos is a small wooden cabin with a folded roof. designed as a point of arrival and departure for the mountaineer’s trek, the structure rests on piles, making it a self contained object suspended above the ground that results in a special place for contemplation and relaxation.

the mountaineer’s refuge by gonzalo iturriaga arquitectos rests on the chilean andes
all images by federico cairoli

in order to create a relationship between the cabin and the landscape, gonzalo iturriaga arquitectos proposed a building that features a roof that uses folded planes and angles to create the entrance and exterior views. comprised of a kitchen, bathroom and bedroom, the house also has a storage room for the mountaineering equipment and a sitting area that draws the eye towards the panoramic view.

ventilated on all sides, the ‘mountaineer’s refuge’ is the perfect place for hikers to start and end their hiking day.

the wooden cabin features floor-to-ceiling windows that allow spectacular views

a single lane pool is the perfect place for hikers to relax after a day in the mountains

the folded roof has cuts that allow for light and ventailation

triangle-shaped entrance

the geometry of the house results in spaces to relax

glass side of the cabin

the house has a total surface area of 60 square meters

the andes reflected on the glass connect the interior with the exterior

 
inside, wooden details maintain the house warm

project info:

architectural firm: gonzalo iturriaga arquitectos
lead architect: gonzalo iturriaga atala
project: refugio para un montañista (mountaineer’s refuge)
year: 2015-16
location: comuna de san esteban, v región, chile
surface area: 60 m2