House with Lucarna, Located on the outskirts of Santiago, in a high-temperature zone, Casa con Lucarna was designed to remain cool through passive strategies, minimizing the need for air conditioning. The design approach focuses on the integration of patios and gardens, which not only serve as natural dividers between different areas, such as public spaces, children’s bedrooms, guest rooms, and the main suite, but also contribute to the home’s ventilation and thermal regulation.
© Marcos Zegers
To prevent overheating, the patios function as a cooling zones that promote air circulation. Additionally, a deep semi-translucent overhang was incorporated, allowing natural light to enter without compromising indoor thermal comfort. While the house primarily unfolds in a horizontal plane, a large south-facing skylight disrupts this linearity, introducing natural light into the living, dining, and kitchen areas.
© Marcos Zegers
This architectural element not only enhances interior illumination but also serves as a key compositional feature in the overall design. Built in steel and raised 20 cm above the ground to improve ventilation, the house also incorporates structural slabs that enhance acoustics and reinforce a sense of solidity. Seeking efficiency and cost reduction, the construction elements were dimensioned within standard commercial measurements.
© Marcos Zegers
The south and east façades were designed with strategic louvers: on the east, to mitigate the impact of the afternoon sun, and on the south, to provide privacy for service areas such as bathrooms and the laundry room. A home designed not just to be inhabited but to engage with its environment, maximizing natural light and ventilation.
Project Info
Architects: Paralelo Transversal
Country: Chile
Area: 302 m²
Year: 2024
Photographs: Marcos Zegers
Construction: Dewman
Madeline Brooks is a Projects Editor at Arch2O, where she has been shaping and refining architectural content since March 2024. With over a decade of experience in editorial work, she has curated, revised, and published an array of projects covering architecture, urbanism, and public space design. A graduate of the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Madeline brings a strong academic foundation and a discerning editorial eye to each piece she oversees. Since joining Arch2O, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the platform’s editorial direction, with a focus on sustainability, social relevance, and cutting-edge design. Madeline excels at translating complex architectural ideas into clear, engaging stories that resonate with both industry professionals and general readers. She works closely with architects, designers, and global contributors to ensure every project is presented with clarity, depth, and compelling visual narrative. Her editorial leadership continues to elevate Arch2O’s role in global architectural dialogue.