Sustainable Home Design in Chile: Las Vertientes House by Lucas Maino Fernandez

Las Vertientes House, designed by Lucas Maino Fernandez, is a remarkable example of sustainable home design in Chile. Nestled in the sector of 'Las Vertientes' in the commune of Rocas de Santo Domingo, this innovative residential project offers a harmonious blend of contemporary aesthetics and environmental consciousness.

Location and Context

Located in the Fifth Region of Chile, Las Vertientes House is set at the back of a plot, away from the coast and surrounded by eucalyptus trees on its southern boundary. This strategic positioning not only provides privacy but also leverages the natural landscape to enhance the home's sustainability.

Architectural Concept

Long-Term Family Living

The house is designed to serve as a long-term residence for a family, with careful consideration of how spaces will be used in the future. The architectural concept revolves around the idea of separating and fragmenting spaces into different units, connected through intermediate courtyards. This approach allows for flexibility and adaptability as the family's needs evolve over time.

Design and Layout

Common and Private Spaces

The layout of Las Vertientes House is thoughtfully organized into distinct zones. Common areas, including the kitchen, dining room, and living room, are placed centrally. This central block is followed by children's and guest bedrooms, and finally, the master bedroom. An additional guest apartment completes the overall volume, ensuring ample space for visitors.

Integrated Workspace

A notable feature of the house is the integrated office space, located within the block of common areas but separated in a loft accessed by a sculptural staircase. The roof rises at this point, with an inclination that contrasts with the rest of the volume, optimizing indirect light for the office.

Sustainable Design Elements

Material Choices

The exterior facades of Las Vertientes House utilize a combination of black micro-corrugated zinc and impregnated pine with a natural finish. This material interplay not only enhances the visual appeal but also contributes to the building's sustainability. The use of diagonals and geometries in the cladding creates a dynamic aesthetic while ensuring better contact with the ground, enhancing stability and integration with the landscape.

Orientation and Natural Light

All main rooms are oriented to the north, establishing a direct connection between the interior spaces and the garden. This orientation maximizes natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting and improving energy efficiency. Wet rooms, such as bathrooms and the kitchen, are strategically placed on the south side, optimizing the overall thermal performance of the house.

Las Vertientes House by Lucas Maino Fernandez is a testament to sustainable home design in Chile. Through its innovative layout, thoughtful use of materials, and strategic orientation, the house offers a model for environmentally conscious living. It showcases how contemporary architecture can harmoniously integrate with nature, providing a functional and aesthetically pleasing home for modern families.

By focusing on sustainable home design principles and leveraging the unique aspects of its location, Las Vertientes House stands out as a premier example of sustainable residential architecture in Chile.

All the photographs are work of MArcos Zegers