LIMA House / Pezo von Ellrichshausen – Contemporary Residential Architecture in Chépica, Chile

LIMA House, designed by the acclaimed Chilean firm Pezo von Ellrichshausen, is a masterclass in minimalist residential architecture, blending harmony with the natural landscape of Chépica, Chile. Completed in 2025, the 300 m² house is nestled within a valley framed by rocky hills and vineyards, offering an intimate connection to the surrounding farmland. The project was led by Mauricio Pezo and Sofia von Ellrichshausen, whose architectural vision emphasizes spatial simplicity, material honesty, and subtle interaction with nature.

The elongated structure of LIMA House orients around a narrow central courtyard aligned to the sun's rise and set, enhancing natural light and ventilation. At the heart of the courtyard lies a long swimming pool, whose reflections animate all adjacent rooms, creating a dynamic interplay of water, light, and shadow. This design encourages a fluid sequence of spaces, guiding occupants through a maze-like arrangement that evokes movement and discovery while maintaining a strong sense of symmetry.

LIMA House elevates its linear form above the natural terrain, creating a horizontal ribbon of rooms that encourages continuous circulation. Its composition subtly references abstract shapes—like the encounter of letters “T” and “U”—establishing a poetic architectural dialogue. Carefully positioned apertures frame views of the surrounding vineyards, while heavy curved eaves clearly define cardinal orientations, merging functional necessity with sculptural expression.

Materiality in LIMA House reinforces its minimalist aesthetic. The exterior walls are constructed from in-situ concrete tinted pale pink, subtly textured by formwork, while interior spaces feature painted wooden boards, offering a warm, tactile contrast to the concrete’s solid permanence. This refined material palette enhances the house’s serene atmosphere, fostering contemplation and quiet living.

Designed for a retired couple, LIMA House is centered around an empty core, symbolizing a shared life of solitude and reflection, echoing Rilke’s sentiment: "each partner appoints the other to be the guardian of his solitude." The house exemplifies modern Chilean architecture that seamlessly integrates landscape, material honesty, and human experience.

LIMA House demonstrates Pezo von Ellrichshausen’s signature style, where rigorous geometry, natural light, and careful material choices converge to create a dwelling that is simultaneously functional, poetic, and deeply connected to its environment. This residential project stands as a beacon of contemporary architecture in South America, redefining the relationship between human habitation and the natural world.