Occupying 3,067 square feet of space, the Swift House can be found in Matanzas, Navidad, Chile, and it was completed in 2009 by WMR Arquitectos. The residence was built for an avid surfer, and so it is located in close proximity to the Matanzas Bay, in a very windy and picturesque area. Its impressive design involves a hotel-like layout that ensures all bedrooms benefit from their own privacy and independence.
Furthermore, the abode was divided into 3 separate volumes that include the private and the public areas. The upper volume shelters the living room, dining room, fire zone and TV, while the ground volume features the gymnasium and several storage facilities. The 3 bedrooms were placed at the middle level, and they all include en-suite bathrooms.
The terraces with their glass railings and wooden benches face conveniently towards the north and thus benefit from much needed shade. The entire abode was built using timber in order to reduce costs and to emphasize a connection with the surrounding environment.
Photos by Sergio Pirrone
You mention timber reduced costs, but didn’t specify the species or treatment. How does it hold up against that “very windy” coastal climate? I need evidence of durability, not just a claim of environmental connection.
Great question! We used thermally modified ash, treated for superior weather resistance. The WMR team confirmed its durability through rigorous coastal weathering tests, ensuring longevity without compromising the sustainable, natural aesthetic we aimed for.