The 54-square-meter cabin known as La Invernada is a tranquil off-grid retreat designed by Guillermo Acuña Arquitectos Asociados to blend seamlessly into the native Valdivian forest of Curicó, Chile. The project, completed in 2019, was conceptualized as a temporary structure that could one day disappear, underscoring the impermanent nature of occupying the forest. Its unique aesthetic was inspired by the idea of "the vegetal," with the materials chosen to represent natural elements: wood for the trees, a mesh for the leaves, and polycarbonate for the forest's light.

Constructed with a prefabricated, CNC-cut laminated Chilean pinewood frame, the cabin was assembled on-site to reduce construction time and waste. Resting on a cantilevered platform supported by stilts, it minimizes its environmental impact on the sloping terrain and surrounding flora. A wooden pathway snakes through the woods to the cabin's entrance, while the deck wraps around a tree, creating a deep connection between the inhabitant and the environment.

The exterior is defined by a multi-layered skin. The inner layer is a clear, flexible polycarbonate that provides transparency and protection from rain, while the outer layer is a golden-hued textile mesh. During the day, the mesh filters light to create a warm, golden glow inside, echoing the changing leaves in autumn. At night, the cabin becomes a glowing lantern, illuminating the forest. The transparent facade plays with the idea of impermanence by reflecting the forest's shadows and movements on its skin.

Inside, the compact cabin is organized vertically across three levels. The ground floor features a living area with a wood-burning stove, a small bathroom, and a bedroom with glass doors that open onto the terrace. A ladder leads to the upper two floors, which are fitted with cushions to create cozy relaxation areas with panoramic forest views.

Credits

Architecture Design and Management: Guillermo Acuña, Pablo Castillo, Cristobal Montalbetti, Blanca Valdés

Construction: Luis Miranda

Fabric Engineer for Exterior Tensile Membrane: Osvaldo Sotomayor (Desmontables)

Upholstery: Viviana Cortes

Photography: Cristobal Palma / Estudio Palma

Client: Gloria Montalva