House 2

by Eduardo Berlin Razmilic

© Sebastián Sepúlveda

© Sebastián Sepúlveda

Architect:  Eduardo Berlin Razmilic

Collaborator:  Luis Alberto Mantelli G.

Structural Engineer:  Eduardo Valenzuela S.

Structural Consultant:  Gonzalo Santolaya D.

Hvac:  Germán Laissle C.

Landscape Architect:  Juan Grimm M.

Site area:   1.600 m2

Built area:   610 m2 + terrazas

Location:   Los Dominicos, Las Condes, Santiago.

Design Year:   2006-2007

Project Year :   2007-2008

Photographs:   Sebastián Sepúlveda

More than a parking lot, the 500 m2 court, permeable and transparent, constitutes an access area that is partially sheltered by the volume of the second level. It includes an artfully—designed garden.
This provides access to the central patio, open at the center of the second level volume, which includes a reflecting pool. In addition to connecting the three levels, the patio provides access through the stairway.

The program’s proposition is simple and clear: A walkway along the perimeter of the patio, around the sitting room, provides both a meeting place and a living area.
As in a screenplay, this flow defines the program in totally equal terms: thus, the bedrooms, living rooms, kitchen and terraces achieve all programmed links without interference.
The construction plan comprises a 520 m2 rectangular floor with ample areas reflecting a control level common to more compact projects and with autonomies of a more dispersed design.
The third storey includes a studio and a large deck overlooking the Andes and an extensive green area. This deck connects with the main storey through a perforated slab providing illumination and a view to the remaining levels.
As a result of its special location, House 2 relates three large exterior spaces –plaza, garden and observation deck– associating all with the external 1,600 m2 original site.
On a smaller scale, the house is defined by simple and orthogonal lines, net spaces, and a thorough structural study.
Most of the details are provided on a gross construction level, reflecting particular attention to intersections, materials and joints, thus achieving the least possible element interference.