Close Horizon House Extension

Press Kit

Unique Properties

This project is an integration to the architecture that already exists, this way the new area will not affect or impact the architecture that was already there. The integration of different proposed spaces had to coexist in such a way that it did not affect the surroundings and as such, it was always an open spaces. This could be achieved by big windows that open up to the backyard, integrating it into the house, uniting the different family spaces, to mix in the environment and the house

Dimensions & Packaging

Exterior 390 square meters, Interior 160 square meters.

Tags

Contemporary architecture, urban houses, swimming pool barbecue area, exterior dining, house extention

Production Technology

Regarding the tecnology used, initially I used a sketch to imagine the spaces and organise the areas then all this information was transferred to Sketch up programme and then viewed in Podium, then finalised in Autocad for the development.
The construction utilized the latest technology to improve the time for controlling remotely the automation of the utilities and applications in the house, such as heating, light, audio, security, etc.

Design Challenge

The challenge was combining the natural surroundings, as there was only one important view that allowed this. Merging the garden via wide light openings with big gaps in a way that the garden has access to all the spaces.
The difficulty of working on inner spaces, was to find a way to make these surroundings work without contrasting with each other by using various materials to differentiate each one of the projects without interfering with the architecture of the house and its materials.

Project Duration

The project started May 2019. Construction started July 2019. The project ended December 2020. Project located, Lo Barnechea, Santiago Chile.

Operation Flow

This project integrates different spaces by means of large continuous concrete floors where the spaces are differentiated by different coatings, the big challenge was to work on different heights in each area, this allowed making incredible ceilings with different heights that give a unique touch to each space.
The opening of the windows allows the union between the spaces and the integration of the interior and the garden environment in a distictive and natural way.

Research

Design research, a meticulous analysis of existing climate data, eg the sun and the shadow of the place, so that the bbq area and pool, were located in the best area. The tools used were SketchUp, Rhino and Autocad. The analysis of general lighting, both natural and artificial, was developed through the Lamp program. For the analysis of the land, we worked with the topographic plans of the place, in order to guarantee the sustainability of water and vegetation integrated into the house.

Inspiration

When I visited the project, located in the hills of central Chile, I wanted to bring these natural materials and colours into this family space with the objective that the clients would feel that they were experiancing the natural world within their own internal space.

Image Credits

Italo Arriaza Photographer

Colors of Close Horizon House Extension