Cuatro Aguas House by DX Arquitectos: A Sculptural Residence in Chicureo, Chile

A Contemporary Interpretation of Traditional Forms

Nestled in the sun-drenched landscape of Chicureo, Chile, the Cuatro Aguas House by DX Arquitectos reimagines traditional Chilean architecture through a contemporary and material-driven lens. Designed as a solid, monolithic volume, the residence is dramatically carved at its center to form a water courtyard—an "impluvium"—where four sloping roof planes converge. Two slopes open toward the garden, inviting natural light and ventilation, while the other two frame the courtyard, enhancing the home’s inward-facing sanctuary.

Embracing Earth and Tradition Through Materiality

DX Arquitectos rooted the Cuatro Aguas House deeply in the local environment by selecting authentic, sustainable materials. The project features a striking large Chilean muslera clay tile roof and thick brick walls, both crafted from different forms of baked earth—clay fired in an oven for the tiles, and clay sun-dried for the bricks. This dual expression of earth textures allows the house to gracefully respond to the intense solar exposure of the Chicureo Valley, creating naturally shaded, cool interiors.

The use of clay tiles is not just a nod to the traditional "Chilean house" aesthetic but a reinterpretation that emphasizes technological innovation and material authenticity. By rethinking traditional materials through a modern architectural language, DX Arquitectos achieves a perfect balance between cultural heritage and contemporary design sensibility.

The Found Object Aesthetic: Recycling and Reuse

Further enriching the residence’s layered identity, the architects incorporated a variety of recycled and repurposed materials. This thoughtful reuse generates an atmosphere akin to that of a "found object", where each element carries its own history and character. The tactile surfaces, natural finishes, and nuanced material palette give the Cuatro Aguas House a timeless quality—rooted in both place and memory.

Spatial Experience and Atmosphere

Inside, the architecture continues its dialogue between solidity and openness. Thick walls frame intimate interior spaces, while strategically placed openings invite dappled light to animate the interiors throughout the day. The impluvium courtyard acts as the heart of the house, offering a private oasis where water, sky, and architecture intertwine.

Through its compact, highly efficient form and its commitment to material authenticity, the Cuatro Aguas House not only offers shelter but also celebrates the elements—earth, water, air, and light—in a composition that feels both ancient and modern.

All Photographs are works of Pablo Blanco