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| DESIGN DETAILS |
DESIGN NAME: Among Quillayes
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Mountain Bathroom
INSPIRATION: This project integrates architecture with nature, prioritizing minimal intervention and preserving the majestic arrayán tree as the centerpiece. Guided by site-specific research, the design utilizes sustainable materials like natural stone, concrete, and wooden sleepers for durability and aesthetic harmony. The terraced platforms follow the natural terrain, ensuring a seamless connection between the built environment and the landscape.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This design is a sustainable architectural proposal that seamlessly integrates into its natural surroundings, respecting and enhancing the existing ecosystem. What sets it apart is its focus on minimal environmental impact and the use of locally sourced, low-impact materials such as wood, natural stone, and reclaimed railway sleepers. The harmony between architecture and nature, combined with a rustic yet refined aesthetic, makes it a model of sustainability and respect for the landscape.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: This space seamlessly blends with its surroundings, offering a welcoming and functional experience. The structure follows the land's shape, creating terraces that connect visually with the landscape. Wood and stone materials provide warmth and durability, while the layout optimizes light and ventilation. Every element is thoughtfully designed to ensure comfort and harmony with nature, enhancing the overall user experience.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project started in March 2024 and finished in July 2024, located in the Arrayán mountain region in Lo Barnechea, Santiago Metropolitan Region, Chile.
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The design follows a contextual architecture approach, blending site analysis, digital modeling, and exploratory models. Durable materials like natural stone, concrete, recycled wooden sleepers, and wood were chosen for their environmental harmony. Terraced platforms follow the topography, optimizing views and circulation. Sustainability principles were prioritized to minimize environmental impact and enhance construction efficiency.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: The project measures 3.45 m in width, 2.00 m in depth, and covers approximately 7 m². The maximum facade height is 3.2 m, adapting to the roof slope and respecting the natural topography. The design harmoniously integrates with the environment, optimizing the relationship between structure, materials, and landscape.
TAGS: Integration with the landscape, sustainable architecture, natural materials, adaptation to the terrain, bioclimatic design, respect for the environment, terraced platforms, vegetation preservation.
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: The project explores how architecture can respectfully integrate with the natural landscape using sustainable materials. Data collected through site visits and analysis of locally available materials shows that natural materials strengthen the connection between the design and its environment. This approach fosters sustainable architecture by promoting environmentally respectful solutions and creating functional spaces.
CHALLENGE: The biggest challenge in this design was balancing integration with the natural environment while meeting local regulations and technical requirements. Adapting to the mountainous terrain and preserving a landmark tree required innovative solutions to protect the ecosystem. Additionally, selecting sustainable materials was complex due to the limited availability of local options that met durability and aesthetic needs. Overcoming these obstacles required a creative approach and thorough site analysis.
ADDED DATE: 2025-03-20 09:04:36
TEAM MEMBERS (1) : Architect: Héctor Nava.
IMAGE CREDITS: Image #1: Photographer Héctor Nava, Landscape and Architecture, 2024.
Image #2: Illustrator Héctor Nava, Design and Nature, 2024.
Image #3: Photographer Héctor Nava, Integration of Elements, 2024.
Image #4: Illustrator Héctor Nava, Cabin interior, 2024.
Image #5: Photographer Héctor Nava, Platform and Topography, 2024.
PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS: Copyright © Héctor Nava, [2024]
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| Visit the following page to learn more: https://bit.ly/4hv9Y7s |
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| CLIENT/STUDIO/BRAND DETAILS |
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NAME: Héctor Nava.
PROFILE: Héctor Nava, is a licensed architect with a postgraduate degree in civil construction. He has developed his professional career in Venezuela, Ecuador, and Chile, combining architectural practice, teaching, and project management. With over 14 years of experience, he has worked on social housing initiatives, healthcare sector projects, and sustainable proposals, integrating design, planning, and technical consulting. His trajectory includes publications in specialized media and participation in academic activities. He is currently focused on energy-efficient solutions and the improvement of the built environment.
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| COMMENTS |
| Giulia Esposito |
Comment #104046 on June 20, 2025, 4:24 pm |
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I am deeply impressed by the thoughtful integration of architecture with nature in the project "Among Quillayes," which demonstrates a remarkable commitment to environmental sensitivity and sustainable design principles. The careful preservation of the majestic arrayán tree as a central element showcases a respectful and harmonious approach toward the existing environment, illustrating the importance of minimal intervention. Furthermore, the strategic selection and use of sustainable, locally sourced materials such as natural stone, concrete, and recycled wooden sleepers effectively reinforces the project's strong connection to the surrounding landscape, creating a seamless transition between built spaces and nature. I particularly admire the inventive solution of terraced platforms designed to follow the natural mountainous terrain, which not only optimizes views and circulation but also minimizes environmental impact. The meticulous site analysis and innovative problem-solving required to overcome the challenges posed by the mountainous location and local regulations further highlight the dedication, creativity, and expertise invested into the realization of "Among Quillayes." This exemplary work truly serves as a compelling model of sustainability, blending rustic aesthetics with refined execution, and sets a new benchmark for environmentally conscious architectural practice. My sincere appreciation and admiration go to the talented architect behind this outstanding achievement, Hector Nava.
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| Elisabeth Clark |
Comment #105694 on June 21, 2025, 6:09 am |
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I am truly impressed and inspired by Hector Nava's exceptional work, "Among Quillayes," which beautifully exemplifies excellence in sustainable and environmentally conscious architecture. The thoughtful integration of locally sourced, low-impact materials such as natural stone, wood, and reclaimed railway sleepers demonstrates an admirable commitment to preserving and enhancing the existing natural ecosystem. I deeply appreciate the meticulous site-specific research and careful consideration behind the terraced platforms that gracefully follow the natural terrain, emphasizing a harmonious and respectful relationship between the architectural elements and surrounding landscape. The decision to preserve the majestic arrayán tree as a focal point further highlights the project's sensitivity and mindfulness toward nature. Witnessing a design that seamlessly combines a rustic yet refined aesthetic with genuine environmental responsibility encourages me greatly and underscores the importance of sustainable practices in contemporary architecture. Hector Nava's achievement in receiving the A' Design Award is undeniably well-deserved, marking a significant and commendable contribution to sustainable design and architectural innovation.
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| Mark Allen |
Comment #107193 on June 21, 2025, 6:58 pm |
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Congratulations on the remarkable achievement of winning the prestigious A' Design Award in the Sustainable Products, Projects, and Green Design Category with the exceptional "Among Quillayes" Mountain Bathroom. The meticulous integration of architecture into the natural environment, emphasizing minimal ecological impact and the thoughtful selection of locally sourced sustainable materials including wood, natural stone, concrete, and reclaimed railway sleepers, truly exemplifies excellence in environmentally conscious design. The harmonious balance between rustic charm and refined aesthetics, alongside the careful preservation of the majestic arrayán tree at the heart of the concept, underscores a profound commitment to sustainable architecture and demonstrates an inspiring model for future green projects. This outstanding work thoughtfully addresses challenging site conditions and technical complexities, showcasing innovative solutions that respect and enhance the landscape, and serves as a commendable example of sustainability and architectural sensitivity.
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