Aguas Claras House located in Cachagua, Zapallar, Valparaiso Region, Chile, was completed by Ramon Coz + Benjamin Ortiz in 2009.
The home takes full advantage of its positioning and of the panoramic views and topography.
The two existing levels are connected through a single vertical element, meaning the black edged stone chimney that can be closely observed from both floors.
The top level includes the living room, the dining room, the kitchen and the master bedroom, along with two wind protected terraces and a balcony.
On the lower level, we find five bedrooms and a family room.
The front façade is fully glazed and opens entirely to the sea views, while the back entrance is included in a sealed façade.
Panoramic views are standard. What exactly is the structural logic behind that central chimney? I need the load-bearing details, not just a visual tour. Show me the engineering, not just the render.
Great question! The chimney acts as a central structural core, anchoring the two-story volumes and stabilizing the cantilevered upper level against lateral forces. Its mass provides essential gravity load distribution, ensuring the floating aesthetic remains structurally sound.