Negrilla House: A Coastal Chilean Haven

Croxatto and Opazo Architects have skillfully crafted Negrilla House, an architectural marvel nestled on the Chilean coastline, harmoniously blending with its dramatic natural surroundings. This residence stands as a testament to innovative design, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean while providing a secluded and serene living experience.

Embrace the Ocean's Majesty: A Home Transformed by Coastal Beauty

Architectural Vision and Ravine Integration

The distinguished Chilean firm, Croxatto and Opazo Architects, has unveiled Negrilla House, a captivating dwelling ingeniously suspended above a ravine in the quaint village of Matanzas. This elongated structure gracefully divides into two distinct, elevated terraces, each meticulously oriented to capture sweeping panoramas of the vast Pacific Ocean.

Innovative Design for Coastal Resilience

Spanning 152 square meters, this remarkable home extends like a pier from the adjacent road in the Chilean coastal settlement. Its timber framework is predominantly cloaked in a protective black bio-resin, a thoughtful choice designed to shield the residence from the formidable coastal winds, ensuring its longevity and aesthetic integrity.

Pathways to Panoramic Vistas

Croxatto and Opazo Architects have artfully integrated two external walkways along each side of Negrilla House. These pathways, shaded by timber slats, guide inhabitants to a pair of stacked terraces. Each terrace is subtly curved, directing views westward towards the boundless expanse of the sea, creating an immersive experience with nature.

Strategic Placement for Uninterrupted Views

Nicolás Opazo Marchetti, co-founder of the studio, highlighted the core design philosophy: to situate the building along the eastern slope. This strategic positioning ensures that every significant space within the home is afforded an unobstructed vista of the Pacific Ocean to the west, maximizing the natural beauty of the site. He further elaborated that the home's layout is a sequential arrangement, forming an elongated volume that meticulously follows the natural contours of the terrain.

Seamless Entry and Elevated Living

From the southern parking area, an 18-meter-long external walkway stretches along the eastern facade, leading to the main entrance. A full-height sliding door welcomes residents directly into the expansive living, dining, and kitchen area. To amplify its prominence, the living area is slightly elevated, ascending gently as it curves 34 degrees westward, perfectly aligning with the ocean's embrace. Full-height glass doors open onto a terrace, thoughtfully sheltered by a deep overhang.

Bifurcated Levels and Complex Spatial Harmony

Beneath the main living area lies a second, lower terrace, an ideal setting for barbecues. This space is sheltered by the upper volume of the house and enclosed by tall timber walls, left in their natural state to create a striking contrast with the dark upper level. Marchetti explained that as the terrain steepens, the architecture cleverly bifurcates, splitting the house into two distinct levels. This design choice results in a spatially rich node, seamlessly integrating circulation, program, topography, and the surrounding landscape into a singular, cohesive architectural statement.

Interior Serenity: A Contrast in Materials

An internal corridor provides access to the bedrooms, which are thoughtfully arranged along the western edge of the house. These private quarters are also connected by an additional external walkway. In a striking contrast to the dark exterior of Negrilla House, its interiors are adorned with planed pine boards, treated with a white-based water wash, creating a serene and luminous ambiance.