A Minimalist Coastal Retreat Blending with Nature in La Vega de Pupuya, Chile

Casa Chica, designed by AGB Arquitectos, is a modest architectural gem nestled in the coastal village of La Vega de Pupuya, Navidad, Chile. Located about 180 kilometers southwest of Santiago, this scenic rural region is known for its community of farmers, fishermen, and seaweed collectors, and is increasingly drawing attention due to its ideal conditions for water sports and sustainable tourism.

This 50-square-meter tiny house is conceived as an austere yet warm retreat—designed to offer just enough for a peaceful and introspective coastal stay. The open-plan layout features a bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom, along with a mezzanine under a pitched roof to accommodate occasional guests. The result is a humble yet elegant structure that speaks to simplicity and purpose.

Site-Sensitive Design and Coastal Immersion

The plot’s natural surroundings—a striking sea view on one side and a serene pine forest on the other—heavily influenced the project's orientation and form. Positioned deliberately in the lowest part of the plot, the house maintains privacy and a deep connection with the landscape. Its transparency and opacity were thoughtfully distributed across the facades to frame views and protect from external disturbances.

Honoring Vernacular Identity with Modern Intentions

Inspired by vernacular Chilean typologies, Casa Chica adopts the form of a shed-like structure with a gabled roof, echoing local dwellings while subtly departing from tradition. Unlike conventional rural houses that are reserved with their openings, this house features a fully glazed facade that opens up to the ocean, offering breathtaking panoramic views and inviting natural light into the interior.

Materiality Rooted in Local Craft and Simplicity

The construction employs traditional wooden carpentry, highlighting the use of local, non-specialized labor. Both the interior and exterior walls are clad in wood, while the pitched roof is covered in corrugated pre-painted zinc sheets, offering durability in the face of coastal weather. This honest material palette underscores the architectural intent—simplicity, durability, and integration with the surrounding ecosystem.

A Sanctuary for Urban Minds Seeking Rural Solitude

Casa Chica is more than a house—it's a sanctuary for contemplation, designed for someone with urban sensibilities who seeks to unwind and reconnect with nature. Its minimal design serves as a reminder of the beauty in restraint and the power of architecture that responds gently to its environment.

All the photographs are works of Rodrigo Daza