The PV Cabin is a minimalist, wooden refuge designed by Chilean architect Lorena Troncoso-Valencia. Completed in 2016, the project was created as a temporary dwelling for a couple of mountain climbers in the rugged landscape of Las Trancas, Pinto, in south-central Chile. Located within a wooded area accessed by a winding road, the small, 24-square-meter cabin was strategically placed in a natural clearing to ensure access to sun, natural light, and ventilation. Given the limited ground space, Troncoso-Valencia addressed the need for more room by expanding the cabin vertically with a double-height interior, creating extra space where footprint was not an option. Built on wooden piles, the structure is raised approximately 1.5 meters off the ground to protect it from snow during the winter. The exterior is clad in a durable wooden shell designed to withstand the harsh mountain elements, and its asymmetrical roof is shaped to facilitate snow drainage. Inside, the first floor contains a living area, kitchen, bathroom, and a small workspace, while a floating sleeping loft is accessible by a ladder. The interior is wrapped in light-colored wood, creating a warm, contemporary aesthetic. This design transforms the minimalist shelter into a compact but comfortable space for short-term living, emphasizing the surrounding natural beauty through its large windows. Credits Architect: Lorena Troncoso-Valencia Photography: Cristóbal Caro