Lucerna House: A Contemporary Patagonian Wooden House in Coyhaique by SAA Arquitectura + Territorio

Lucerna House, designed by SAA Arquitectura + Territorio, is a striking contemporary wooden house located on the outskirts of Coyhaique in Chile’s Aysén region. Surrounded by pampas grasslands and an ancient forest of ñires, this residence reinterprets the vernacular architectural traditions of Patagonia while embracing modern spatial design, natural light, and climate-responsive solutions.

Context and Site Considerations

The site presented three critical factors that guided the design: the presence of the adjacent forest, the constant north wind, and the extended summer daylight typical of the region. The architects addressed these conditions by shaping the home into a north-south elongated orthogonal plan. This orientation minimizes wind exposure while ensuring a direct connection to both sunrise and sunset, creating a dialogue between architecture and the natural rhythms of Patagonia.

Design Concept and Spatial Organization

Inspired by the ancient Patagonian estancias, the design revolves around a central axis, a long hallway topped with an 18-meter skylight that floods the interiors with daylight. This linear axis organizes the home’s functions and connects communal and private areas seamlessly.

The home balances indoor and outdoor living through its spatial strategy. To the west, a covered outdoor terrace engages with the forest, offering sheltered spaces connected to nature. On the east, a closed winter garden opens toward expansive views of the Coyhaique Natural Reserve, ensuring year-round comfort despite the harsh Patagonian climate.

Materiality and Structural Expression

Lucerna House draws heavily on the timber traditions of the region. The exterior façade uses lenga wood boards, installed vertically and overlapped to echo vernacular Patagonian architecture. This not only grounds the house in its local identity but also strengthens its climatic resilience.

Inside, the structure reveals its truss system, exposing the rhythm of its 1-meter modular grid throughout the length of the house. This structural honesty highlights craftsmanship and creates a visual order that frames the living experience.

The Roof as an Architectural Gesture

The roof of Lucerna House acts like a protective cloak, enveloping the entire structure and anchoring it into the vast Patagonian landscape. The only interruptions are a light well to the west, near the living room, and the dramatic skylight that culminates the hallway. This architectural move not only enhances natural illumination but also emphasizes the roof as a unifying design gesture.

A Modern Wooden House Rooted in Patagonia

More than just a residence, Lucerna House is a dialogue between tradition and modernity. Its wooden structure, regional material choices, and climatic adaptability root it in the cultural and environmental context of Patagonia. At the same time, its contemporary design and spatial clarity bring forward a timeless architectural identity.

Lucerna House by SAA Arquitectura + Territorio exemplifies the power of Patagonian wooden house design—a harmonious blend of vernacular traditions, natural integration, and modern living. By respecting the forest, responding to climate, and celebrating daylight, this residence reflects how architecture can embody place and culture while shaping future-forward living.

All Photographs are works of  Esteban Arteaga