Lefun Refuge by Abarca Palma Arquitectos – Sustainable Forest Retreat in Chile

Nestled in the rural sector of Lefun, Villarrica commune, in Chile’s Araucanía Region, Lefun Refuge by Abarca Palma Arquitectos is a small yet striking forest cabin designed to maximize its natural surroundings. Completed in 2019, this compact 50 m² wooden house elevates the residential experience by integrating modern modular construction with the region’s native landscape.

Elevated Design for Views and Protection

The refuge is raised on 3-meter-high piles, supporting a two-story structure that interacts seamlessly with the surrounding Maitenes and Arrayanes hualles forest. This elevation not only improves orientation and distant views of Lake Villarrica and the Villarrica Volcano, but also defines a unique intermediate outdoor space, sheltered beneath the house—a perfect retreat from rain while still immersed in nature.

Functional and Hybrid Circulation

Access to the house is provided via a typological hybrid, the “chiflonera-stairway”, a translucent vertical circulation space that offers protection from rain and wind while functioning as storage for shoes and wet clothing. On the first interior level (2nd floor), the layout organizes all communal spaces including the living room, kitchen, dining area, and a north-facing terrace directly connected to the forest and lake.

Private and Panoramic Sleeping Quarters

The second level (3rd floor) features a balcony bedroom overlooking the double-height living room, providing unobstructed views of the lake to the east and Villarrica Volcano to the north. Every detail prioritizes modular efficiency and comfort, from wood carpentry to SIP panel construction, ensuring thermal and structural protection against harsh winter weather.

Sustainable, Modular Construction

Built with impregnated pine wood and prefabricated SIP panels, Lefun Refuge reflects a cost-efficient design while maintaining high-quality craftsmanship. The modular system reduces construction time and creates a cozy, minimal retreat, blending sustainability with functionality in a serene forest environment.

Lefun Refuge is a perfect example of eco-friendly forest architecture, modular cabin design, and Chilean contemporary wooden homes, balancing nature, comfort, and structural efficiency.