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Hyper-Insulated Family Home on Farmland Built to Withstand Earthquakes

Large temperature difference between day and night, a region that is vulnerable to frequent earthquakes and its isolated presence on a large piece of rural agricultural land were the factors that defined the style and finish of Passalacqua Lahsen House in Colina, Santiago, Chile. Designed by GITC Arquitectura to overcome these initial hurdles, the contemporary family house sits on a specially designed base as the nature of soil on the agricultural lot was simply not conducive for construction. Clad in white and punctured by the beautiful placed windows throughout the structure, the façade is a blend of traditional rural design and modern aesthetics with insulation and privacy being top priorities.

Contemporary Passalacqua Lahsen House on an agricultural lot in Chile

At the heart of this Chilean home designed for a family of five is a large, double-height living area with small loft space above. Essentially a single level structure, the height of the home allows for the addition of a smaller loft level without having to commit to building an entire second level. Reinforced concrete, structural steel and a prefabricated system of insulated panels ensure that the temperature inside is carefully controlled even as the clerestory windows usher in a flood of natural light.

Color palette inside the residence is kept largely neutral with white, wood and pops of light blue taking over in each room. A carefully crafted, space-savvy kitchen and relaxing bedrooms complete this comfortable modern home set amidst a rustic backdrop. [Photography: Felipe Díaz Contardo]

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Simple and efficient design of the contemporary home creates a controlled climate indoors
Special base of the contemporary home provides stable ground
Hyper-insulated structure of contemporary home in Chile
Double-height central living are and dining room of the home in Chile
Unique contemporary kitchen in white
Clerestory windows usher in ample natural light

A house without close neighbors, solitary, at least for a time, relatively far from urban services and facilities. An exposed and discreet building, far from its own predial edges and firmly anchored to the ground, in a close, clear, clean and visible environment. A hyper insulated body thermally…

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Elegantly framed interior of the isolated home in Chile
Extended roof offers protection from scorching heat and direct sunlight
Aerial view of Passalacqua Lahsen House and the agricultural land around it
First floor plan of Passalacqua Lahsen House
Ground floor plan of contemporary home in Chile

Sherry Nothingam

Sherry is a blogger who loves to live her life to the fullest. She enjoys everything associated with design, décor and stylish modern trends. Born in California, Sherry has grown up on open ranches and in a wild setting, which has defined her taste for design and developed her interest in examining how structures and homes interact with the beauti[...]

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