A micro-house evolves with the seasons, immersed in Chilean nature

Catalejo (Spyglass) continues a long tradition of architectural experiments that explore the relationship between the home and the wild nature. The architecture of Tololo Ugarte, like that of many predecessors, delves into the idea of a dwelling that does not dominate the landscape but integrates with it, becoming an integral part of the natural context.

The building appears externally almost like a suspended train carriage, an unexpected element that discreetly integrates into the landscape. Its elongated shape, resembling the extrusion of a section, justifies the name "spyglass" and reinforces the idea of observing and being part of the cyclical renewal of nature.

Indeed, the site where Catalejo stands is characterized by a landscape that changes drastically with the seasons. In summer, the land appears dry and barren, while in winter and spring, it transforms into a lush green mantle, a condition that led to the slight elevation of the volume.

Another central element of the design is its positioning relative to the ancient quillay and molle trees, treated as natural monuments. The house is oriented to capture their presence, with large openings that frame their view. These openings allow the landscape to enter and transform the living experience, to the point where each window triggers a specific relationship with the surrounding environment.