Rodrigo Ortega Carol Gysling

PHOTOGRAPHER

Fernanda del Villar

OBJECTIVE

The roots of this project lie in this concept: encounter and contrast, an architecture that emerges from the earth and becomes part of nature, rupturing forms that rise up like mountains, volcanoes, and glaciers on the horizon of Puerto Natales. Aka Patagonia is a tribute to the landscape. The project consists of six modules (private double rooms with a bathroom) and one communal module for relaxing, meeting, and cooking.

CONTEXT

Patagonia is one of the most important tourist destinations in Chile and the world, geography that strikes you with its scale, untamed wilderness, and the bond that’s generated between the visitor and the landscape. The meeting of the elements hits you, at first sight, the connection between water and glacier, rock and mountain, tree and earth; a contrast of materials, forms, and colors, between the solid and the liquid, between the mountain gorge and the valley plain.

PERFORMANCE

The 6 prefabricated wooden modules were built and then assembled on-site, strategically positioned to frame the various natural attractions' views and obtain the maximum level of natural light during the day. The entire construction was built on piles to have the lowest impact on the site. The space was designed so that guests can experience the continuous flow of nature, both inside and out.