U-Shaped House with Glass Lower Floor and Concrete Upper

Chile architecture firm Raimundo Anguita designed this U shaped plan around a central courtyard that artfully connects indoors and outdoors, public and private, open and closed – it’s a lesson in opposites, singing in perfect harmony. The owners – a young couple with a large family – wanted a home that would promote family living and socializing. Thus, the designers created this contemporary style home here in Chicureo, Colina, Santiago Metropolitan Region, organized in two levels – a traditional layout and conventional living spaces, but executed in a modern, forward-thinking way, complete with a central courtyard, and a rooftop terrace. Check it out!

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A traditional two-level design takes on a modern, complex form boasting a perpendicular layering of the first and second floors, a private courtyard, and an exterior stair leading to the upper terrace.

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The upper floor is a cantilevered concrete volume perpendicular to the glazed lower, which creates a faux “floating” effect and further connects indoors and out. Follow the outdoor staircase up the side of the house…

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… And past the private courtyard – an outdoor living room makes the most of this warm climate and rivals the interior living rooms in comfort and style!

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Beyond the courtyard, lush landscaping envelops you in its natural embrace.

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The clear and open concept main floor houses the social spaces – a central hallway, kitchen, dining room and a living area that opens to the terrace and courtyard.

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Interiors also enjoy the natural vistas, thanks to the floor to ceiling, wall to wall glass. An earthy palette of natural wood and stone is natural, yet refined.

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The kitchen is a smartly designed space where efficiency is served up with a helping of style. Wood cabinets feature frosted glass doors that conceal their contents while maintaining a light aesthetic. Stone tile floors and concrete ceilings add to the warm, organic look of the space.

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Contrasting the light and airy glass lower level, the enclosed concrete volume overhead cradles the private areas of the home – bedrooms, bathrooms and quiet living spaces.

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Inside or out, the exterior courtyard becomes a natural focal point for the home, overlooked by its large expanses of glass and hugged by the U shaped design.