pezo von ellrichshausen's casa cien in concepcion, chile

pezo von ellrichshausen (mauricio pezo, sofia von ellrichshausen) has completed ‘casa cien’, a single family residence in concepcion, chile. plugged into a lush and hilly site, the design is read as a monolithic podium and tower with different-sized square windows securing views of the surrounding landscape.

image © cristobal palma (also main image) | all images courtesy of pezo von ellrichshausen

composed through a stacking system of concrete units, the free-standing dwelling achieves a stature akin to a look-out tower. the finish of the facade features exposed aggregate, establishing a highly textured expression to the exterior. simple and iconic, the building’s silhouette is a result of two dominant formats – an extended floor plan and a concentrated floor plan – that has been used to explore a new way of arranging domestic living space.

(left) elevation (right) looking into dining space
images © cristobal palma

conceived as a collection of square-shaped units, the interiors is experienced in layers that play with the perception of spatial depth. each of the twelve components has been asymmetrically divided into four areas in a loose format that would facilitate a common flow of space when assembled together. the lower level ‘podium’ features slight terraces within the layout to subtly define the units and their individual relation between rooms. the ‘tower’ arranges the blocks in a vertical fashion and can be accessed through a spiral staircase. open and neutral in their functions, each arrangement is encouraged to be experienced freely by the inhabitants.

interior view
image © cristobal palma

dining area
image © cristobal palma

views of spiral staircase
images © cristobal palma

living space
image © cristobal palma

windows and skylight
image © cristobal palma

(left) office
(right) in context
images © cristobal palma

physical model

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