Casa RIMA Chile Architecture by Cristián Romero Valente

The Casa RIMA Chile architecture project, designed by Cristián Romero Valente, is a 192 m² coastal residence located in Los Vilos, northern Chile. Completed in 2024, the house is conceived as a serene refuge where the ocean, horizon, and sound of the sea become integral elements of daily life. By combining exposed concrete, wood, and steel, the architecture creates both a durable and poetic retreat deeply connected to its landscape.

Site and Concept

Casa RIMA is situated along the Chilean coastline, where strong southern winds and expansive sea views define the environment. The design responds with a continuous wall that shields the interiors from wind while allowing uninterrupted openness toward the ocean. This dual gesture provides both protection and connection, balancing shelter with contemplation.

The arrival sequence begins with a ramp-like floor that connects parking to the entrance hall, framing the sea as a dramatic reveal. This architectural promenade prepares the visitor for immersion into the coastal setting, gradually unfolding views and sensory experiences.

Spatial Organization

The house is designed as a single-level residence with a linear plan. Interior courtyards punctuate the scheme, introducing natural light and cross-ventilation while organizing circulation.

The central common spaces—living room, dining room, and kitchen—fully open toward the terrace and pool, dissolving the line between inside and outside. Bedrooms are placed at either end of the house, ensuring privacy while maintaining visual and spatial continuity with the landscape. These transitions ensure that every space engages with the horizon, wind, and filtered light.

Climate and Eaves Design

A defining architectural feature of Casa RIMA is its steel-beam eaves, engineered to resist marine corrosion. More than functional, these horizontal extensions create shaded outdoor zones, reduce solar heat, and blur boundaries between built form and natural surroundings. They establish a microclimate that allows the family to enjoy outdoor living even under the strong coastal sun.

Material Expression

The material palette of Casa RIMA reflects honesty and restraint. Exposed concrete forms the structural backbone, offering solidity and permanence. Warm timber surfaces soften the interiors, adding intimacy to living spaces. Large glass panels act as transparent membranes, framing the ocean and reflecting the ever-changing light of the coast. Together, these materials ground the house in durability while maintaining an atmosphere of calm simplicity.

A Sensory Refuge

Casa RIMA is more than a residence; it is a coastal retreat designed for sensory living. The sound of waves, filtered sea breezes, and expansive views of the horizon define the experience of the home. By harmonizing protection and openness, durability and elegance, the architecture creates a sanctuary where the family can inhabit the Chilean coast in stillness and connection.

All Photographs are works of Juan Pablo Calderón