The clifftop “House in Buchupureo” | Alvaro Ramírez and Clarisa Elton

October 16, 2012

This small cabin in Chile is a literal cliffhanger, perched on pilings atop a bluff that drops steeply to the Pacific Ocean below. The deck hangs so far over the slope that it gives the impression of being right over the water. One definition of a cabin is a small dwelling of simple construction built from readily available materials. Architects Alvaro Ramírez and Clarisa Elton designed the structure staying true to that definition, and yet the cabin transcends its humble form.

The cabin was built on pilings instead of a full concrete foundation so as to minimize site disturbance, and to allow run-off to flow uninterrupted. Pine lumber was used for both the structure and the finish, on inside and out. In true cabin form, no attempt was made to conceal the structure; posts and braces were left exposed to view inside. The roof is covered with flat stones, a traditional local building material, to blend it into the landscape when viewed from above.

The small 55 m² (592 ft²) retreat is divided into two even smaller parts, one for the social spaces and one for the bedroom and bathroom. They are joined by a large deck which doubles as both a hallway and an outdoor living space, partly protected from ocean winds by the adjacent enclosed spaces.

The cabin has a butterfly roof, rising from the center towards the front and back, which opens the cabin up to the ocean views and makes room for clerestory windows. The high windows let in light right at the ceiling level, drawing the eye up and increasing the sense of spaciousness.

The living area is compact but efficiently arranged. The kitchen runs along the back wall and is equipped with a wood cookstove, also used for space heating. Bench seating is built into one corner of the living room. Seating shoved right into a corner usually appears cramped and claustrophobic, but wrap-around windows certainly alleviate that feeling here. The benches are topped with cushions which look thick enough to provide a comfortable sleep for a couple of guests. And with guests, you might not have enough dining chairs, but pull the dining table over to the corner bench and you will be able to seat a large group. It is a great example of a small space being designed to serve multiple uses.

Over in the private half of the cabin, the bedroom also has a small wood stove for warmth on cold nights. A large window in the bathroom allows you to contemplate the ocean while bathing.

With its straightforward structure and humble materials, this cabin was built for only $15,000 in 2005. It proves that you don’t necessarily have to spend a lot of money to get an inspiring home.