"La Quimera House is a single-family vacation home in Coyhaique, Chilean Patagonia, designed by the Chilean studio Ruca Proyectos. The project is situated within a forest just outside the city, overlooking the Simpson River and the Mackay hill. Its architecture is rooted in the traditional constructions of Southern Chile, which are adapted to withstand the region's harsh climate of frequent snow, rain, and cold. The house was designed with a pure, simple volume and built with local materials to accommodate a tight budget and limited local labor and technology. To protect the structure from ground moisture and cold, the house is elevated on wooden piles. Its exterior is sheathed in black zinc sheets, providing a hermetic shield against the arduous weather. In contrast, the interior is clad entirely in grooved pine plywood, creating a warm, cozy, and rustic atmosphere. The house is strategically designed to maximize its connection with the surrounding nature. It is more enclosed toward the access, but the side facing the views opens up completely through large windows that lead to a generous wooden deck. The main floor features an open living space that includes the main living room, an open kitchen, six built-in bunk beds, a guest bathroom, and a suite. A second level offers a wide open floor plan with a balcony overlooking the scenery. A staircase also doubles as an interior resting space and provides access to the terrace. Credits Architects: Ruca Proyectos Architect In Charge: Carlos Torres Alcalde Collaborator: Consuelo Alfaro Engineer: Joaquín Valenzuela Photography: Ignacio Santa Maria Manufacturers: Arauco, InterLight"