Croxatto and Opazo Architects Redefine Holiday Living With Casa Lagunita’s Unique Rotated Terrace Design

In the picturesque hills of Laguna Zapalla, just two hours outside of Santiago, the talented team at Croxatto and Opazo Architects have breathed life into a compact cube-shaped holiday home named Casa Lagunita. At 22 feet by 22 feet and 16 feet high, this architectural wonder is spread over two stories and features a unique wedge-shaped terrace in front that is rotated. The clever layout creates a harmonious haven that makes the most available space and takes in breathtaking views of the surroundings while blending in perfectly with the natural terrain.

Integration with the Landscape

Croxatto and Opazo Architects strategically integrated Casa Lagunita into the 25-degree slope of its hillside location. Dividing the program into three distinct "platforms," the architects utilized two concrete walls to shape and support the hillside, optimizing the challenging terrain. The first platform is a parking space that is cleverly positioned on the ground level and faces the sturdy concrete foundation. An exterior wooden staircase gracefully leads to the second platform, where the house is situated.

Spatial Layout and Interior Design

The entrance, deliberately placed on the side of the structure, welcomes visitors into a first-floor living and dining area. A well-designed kitchen runs along the far side of this space, creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment. The architects maximized the slope by incorporating a bathroom in a corner strategically placed adjacent to a wooden staircase leading to the top-floor sleeping area.

The staircase, a striking combination of planed pine wood and metal, features floor-to-ceiling windows providing panoramic views. A small terrace extending from the facade and enclosed by a rectangular concrete volume offers a unique vantage point to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. This rotated terrace serves as a beacon, capturing the afternoon light and warmly bathing the wooden walls inside the house.

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Top-Floor Oasis

Ascending to the top level reveals two bedrooms and a second bathroom, cleverly positioned in the same corner as its counterpart below. The bedrooms and living area, thoughtfully located along the house's back side, open to expansive windows that overlook a serene backyard. To the north, six large Oregon pine windows create a connection with nature, incorporating a small decorative courtyard and infusing the interior with a touch of greenery.

Exterior Aesthetics and Panoramic Terrace

The exterior of Casa Lagunita is finished in white-washed concrete, providing a clean and contemporary appearance. The one by 4-inch pine wood paneling that lines the walls creates a cozy and welcoming ambiance throughout the interior. With its expansive terrace perched atop the highest point on the property, the third platform provides unmatched views of the beach and town. Accessed by a second exterior staircase, this elevated retreat becomes the perfect spot to bask in the beauty of the surroundings.

Croxatto and Opazo Architects have crafted Casa Lagunita, a holiday home that transcends its compact dimensions through thoughtful design and integration with the natural landscape. The rotated terrace, strategic placement of spaces, and meticulous attention to detail create a unique retreat that harmonizes with its surroundings. Casa Lagunita is a testament to innovative architectural solutions, proving that even modest dimensions can house exceptional design and a connection with nature.

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