Hachi Cabin by Medio Arquitectura: A Minimalist Forest Refuge Rooted in Craft and Context

Located in the dense native forests of Villarrica, Chile, Hachi Cabin by Medio Arquitectura is a compact 83 m² residence and creative studio designed as both a personal retreat and workspace for a local jeweler. Surrounded by lush vegetation and rooted in sensitivity to site and craft, the project balances minimalist spatial planning with expressive structural detailing.

Contextual Placement and Ecological Sensitivity

Set within a rural clearing on a forested plot, the cabin’s siting was dictated by a desire to preserve native trees and optimize natural light and thermal gain. Occupying the only available open space, the structure integrates harmoniously into the landscape while maintaining a minimal footprint. Designed in 2022 under the direction of architect Emiliano Ruidíaz Riffo, the project reflects a deep connection to local material traditions and environmental stewardship.

Spatial Organization Through Level Shifts

To make the most of its modest area, Hachi Cabin embraces open-plan living with subtle level transitions rather than solid partitions. The design unfolds across three tiered zones:

• The lowest level houses the laundry, loggia, and kitchen—welcoming morning light through southeast-facing windows.
• A few steps up is the central living area, oriented to the north to capture sunlight throughout the day and merge seamlessly with the forest edge.
• The upper level accommodates the bedroom, bathroom, and a freestanding island bathtub nestled within a projecting volume that opens to the surrounding trees, ensuring immersive views and natural privacy.

Light, Views, and Work

The workspace is strategically placed on the southern end of the central level to harness soft, indirect light—ideal for jewelry design. Meanwhile, large, angled windows across the roof and facade sculpt the light inside, echoing the origami-like geometry of the ceiling. This sensitive orientation maximizes daylight penetration while offering curated glimpses of the surrounding forest.

Material Expression and Reuse

The interior merges rusticity and refinement. Vitrified concrete flooring, handcrafted by a local ceramicist, provides a unified, joint-free surface with earthy warmth and durability. Walls and ceilings are clad in bone-white plasterboard, offering a clean backdrop for the expressive wooden structural elements.

Most notably, the cabin features reclaimed timber beams salvaged from old local bridges. These beams serve both structural and sculptural functions: defining the level transitions, framing spatial zones with oversized wooden arches, and supporting a large exposed truss in the main room. Their historic patina adds a sense of authenticity and craftsmanship.

Exterior and Local Craft

Externally, the cabin is wrapped in pre-painted black zinc cladding, offering a sleek yet subtle presence within the forest. One prominent volume, which projects toward the north, is finished in locally sourced stone—hand-installed by regional stonemasons—further rooting the building in its context and highlighting the intersection of contemporary form and traditional techniques.