La Dacha Mountain Retreat
Las Trancas, Chile
Chilean-based architecture firm Del Rio
Arquitectos Asociados (DRAA) are in the
business of sprinkling modern cabins within
Chile's native woodlands. ese projects
are meant to share the beauty of these
unique landscapes with visitors. La Dacha
Mountain Retreat, though it aesthetically
appears similar to the firm's Shangri-la
project, was designed specifically for the
plot of land it was placed on. Designed in
a unique vertical V-shape, its second level
floor-to-ceiling windows follow the sun's
path from rise to set while also serving as the
entry floor to the home. Constructed from
SIP board and Lingue wood, the home is a
highly insulated mountain escape that keeps
environmentalism in mind. e designers
included a masonry stove that only requires
one load of wood per day, and is meant
to release heat at a constant rate for long
periods of time. e walls and windows are
specially insulated to keep harsher climates
out. Panoramic views, warm spacious living
areas and the opportunity to explore some
of the oldest forests in the world make this
cabin a must-visit.
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