Experience Nature Inside: The Duality of KW House in Chile

KW House by Eugenio Simonetti and Bastian San Martin

Architects Eugenio Simonetti and Bastian San Martin have unveiled the KW House in Chile, a remarkable architectural piece that showcases a contrast between glass-walled living areas and intimate wood-lined bedrooms. This home, located near the Villarrica volcano in the Araucanía region, spans 309 square meters and is designed to immerse its residents in the surrounding protected forest during summer while offering a cozy retreat in winter.

A Study in Duality

The KW House embodies a study in duality, presenting a fully-glazed ground floor known as the "aquarium" and a more private, wood-lined first floor. According to Simonetti, this design reflects both the seasonal adaptability of the house and the diverse needs of its inhabitants, whether they seek to connect with nature or enjoy privacy.

In summer, the full-height glass doors on the ground floor open up to the forest, leading to a wooden veranda and pathways that provide access to viewpoints, seating areas, and a fire pit. In winter, the house can be hermetically sealed, with a corridor linking two living spaces, one featuring a wood-burning stove and the other centered around a fireplace.

Structural Features

Three structural staircases, framed by large X-shaped steel supports, separate the living spaces from a central kitchen and dining area. The first floor can be divided into separate "apartments", each with its own landing, or merged into a spacious family area. This flexible design allows for a seamless flow depending on the occupants' needs.

Simonetti explains the privacy features: if the bedrooms are occupied by family members, the space flows freely, but if guests are present, lobbies are blocked to ensure privacy. The cabin-like bedrooms above the ground floor offer solitude, with skylights and small windows providing illumination without sacrificing the intimate atmosphere.

The design incorporates Lenga wood panelling and strategically placed skylights, creating warm, introspective spaces while allowing controlled views of the El Cerduo mountain range. Simonetti emphasizes that the thoughtful material choices and adaptability ensure a harmonious architectural statement that responds to both its environmental context and the lifestyle of its occupants.