Sloping House by Claudio Santander & María Inés Buzzoni: A Seamless Integration with the Landscape

A Modern Architectural Approach in Santiago, Chile

The Sloping House, designed by Claudio Santander and María Inés Buzzoni, is a striking example of how contemporary architecture can harmonize with natural terrain. Situated in the pre-Andean foothills of Santiago, Chile, this 285 m² residence embraces the site's slope while redefining the concept of spatial continuity.

A House Designed for Flow and Functionality

From the outset, the architects embraced the challenge of designing a home that adapts to its steep surroundings. The Sloping House follows an open-plan concept, creating a fluid and interconnected living experience. It is structured into two staggered, overlapping volumes that serve distinct functions:

• Lower Level: A fully open perimeter, seamlessly integrating social spaces such as the living room, dining area, and kitchen in a continuous nave.
• Upper Level: A more private retreat, featuring bedrooms, a family room, and an office, maintaining the theme of openness while ensuring a sense of intimacy.

Breaking Traditional Boundaries in Urban Housing

Unlike conventional homes, the Sloping House challenges traditional spatial divisions. Instead of rigid walls, built-in furniture and subtle elevation changes define the transitions between spaces. The lower level features three sets of six-step transitions, subtly connecting different zones. Meanwhile, the upper level introduces shorter three-step transitions, maintaining an open yet private ambiance.

Minimalist Materiality and Architectural Expression

A restrained material palette enhances the home's architectural purity. The interior is defined by exposed concrete walls, refined concrete slab flooring, and monochromatic bathrooms clad in glass mosaic. The raw, unfinished textures create a modern yet timeless aesthetic, emphasizing the play of light and shadow within the space.

A Dynamic Interaction with the Landscape

Movement within the home is carefully orchestrated through a combination of stairs and ramps, offering varying speeds of circulation:

• Staircases provide a direct connection between spaces.
• Ramps encourage a gradual ascent, allowing residents to engage with the architecture and surrounding views more deliberately.

An Architectural Experiment in Daily Living

Beyond its innovative design, the Sloping House represents a deeply personal exploration of family living. Designed with two growing children in mind, the home was intended as an experiment in how a family could interact with space over time. The experience of inhabiting this continuous, flowing environment became especially profound during the pandemic, revealing new ways of engaging with the home’s social and private realms.

All Photographs are works of Pablo Casals Aguirre