Located in a rainforest near the city of La Unión in southern Chile, the 3x3 Retreat is a 15-square-meter minimalist cabin designed by Estudio Diagonal. Completed in 2020, the small house is named for its 3-by-3-meter floor plan, which emphasizes a "radical geometry" in contrast with the organic nature of its surroundings. The retreat was strategically placed on a slope overlooking the Radimadi river, providing inhabitants with picturesque views and the calming sound of the running water.

The cabin's program is structured in what the architects describe as "three acts". The journey begins on the ground-level terrace, which is the same size as the cabin itself, and serves as an intermediary space between the forest and the interior. The first floor, or "day floor," contains a combined kitchen, dining, and living area. A large, double-height window on the front provides a stunning view of the rainforest, making it a perfect spot to observe the winter rains while enjoying a coffee by the wood stove. The second floor, or "private floor," is reached by a ladder to save space and enhance privacy. This level houses the sleeping area and a bathroom.

Construction prioritized both budget and sustainability, using standard, pre-dimensioned pine wood and leveraging local labor and traditional building techniques. The structural framework is left exposed on the interior, celebrating the construction process. This deliberate approach to materiality and form creates a simple yet lofty space, with its 4.8-meter double-height window adding an exaggerated sense of verticality. The resulting retreat is an intentional, remote oasis designed for disconnection and a deeper connection with the surrounding rainforest.

Credits

Architects: Estudio Diagonal Architects

Architect in Charge: Sebastián Armijo Oyarzún

Design Team: Juan Pablo Esteban Delgado and Mario Alejandro Jara Millape

Photography: Nicolás Saieh