Greenhouse by Juan Carlos Sabbagh Arquitectos: A Glazed Forest Retreat in the Andes

Located in the serene Maulino Forest of Curicó, Chile, the Greenhouse by Juan Carlos Sabbagh Arquitectos offers an unparalleled retreat into nature. This 137 m² house, designed for year-round enjoyment, features a fully glazed façade that immerses its occupants in the beauty of the surrounding deciduous oak forest.

A House Designed for Nature Immersion

Site Location and Characteristics

Situated at 950 meters above sea level in the Andes Mountains, the Greenhouse capitalizes on the ever-changing landscape of the Maulino Forest. The deciduous oak trees provide natural shading in summer and allow sunlight to penetrate during the cooler winter months, creating an organic balance between indoor comfort and outdoor beauty.

Concept: An Inverted Greenhouse

The Greenhouse flips the traditional concept of a greenhouse. Here, the plants remain outside, and the interior becomes a transparent haven, enveloping residents in the forest's vibrant cycle of seasons. The glazed envelope enables vertical and horizontal views, offering a panoramic experience of the forest's splendor.

Architectural Design

Material Choice and Construction

The house is constructed primarily of wood—a material chosen for its sustainability, ease of transport, and suitability for the remote, challenging site.

• Lightweight Design: The two-story structure minimizes its footprint, reducing the environmental impact on the forest.
• Efficient Construction: Prefabricated elements facilitated faster assembly, a crucial consideration given the location's limited accessibility.

Spatial Organization

• Public Areas: The living room, dining room, and kitchen are housed within the fully glazed section, creating a seamless connection with the outdoors.
• Private Spaces: The bedrooms, designed with more enclosed wooden elements, ensure privacy and warmth.
• Vertical Layout: The two-level plan concentrates functionality, further preserving the natural terrain.

Sustainability and Seasonal Harmony

Natural Climate Control

The house's location in a deciduous forest provides an ingenious climate solution. During summer, the foliage shades the interior, keeping it cool. In winter, as leaves fall, sunlight warms the house, reducing energy use and enhancing comfort.

Minimal Environmental Impact

• Compact footprint limits disruption to the forest ecosystem.
• Sustainable wood construction aligns with eco-friendly principles.

A Living Space for Contemplation

The Greenhouse is not just a house but a sensory experience. By prioritizing transparency, natural materials, and harmony with the seasons, it allows its inhabitants to feel fully immersed in the rhythms of the forest.

Juan Carlos Sabbagh Arquitectos’ Greenhouse is a stunning example of how architecture can coexist with nature. By reimagining the traditional greenhouse concept, the project offers a unique living space that celebrates the changing seasons of the Maulino Forest.

All Photographs are work of Matías del Campo