Low lines: Cristián Hrdalo designs a concrete and Corten Chilean retreat

Bulcke House
The striking, low-lying Bulcke House is located in Las Araucarias de Linderos, a golf club 30km south of the Chilean capital of Santiago
(Image credit: Nico Saieh)

Chilean architectural firm Hrdalo, founded in 2005 and headed by Cristián Hrdalo, already has several idyllic residential projects under its belt. Developing homes for beach, countryside and mountain locations, the firm prides itself on envisioning experimental programs and working with clients who are eager to push the architectural envelope.

The newest offering from Hrdalo is the Bulcke House in Las Araucarias de Linderos, a golf club 30km south of the Chilean capital of Santiago. The home was conceived for a Belgian couple who, having lived in Chile for years, opted to return to Europe; their daughter and her small family decided to remain, so the couple embarked on the creation of a second house in the country, which would be used during family visits.

Buckle house

(Image credit: Nico Saieh)

Take an interactive tour of Bulcke House

Situated on a plot where two of the corners are facing the picturesque golf course, the refined concrete home was designed to frame the views of its surroundings and to bring natural light into even the most sheltered parts of the property. Bulcke House is composed of Corten steel, poured in-situ concrete, incast wood panelling and polished concrete floors, the latter chosen to offset the warmth of the walnut furniture and doors.

The house also features a series of inner courtyards and a generous, private terrace, which acts as the home’s in-between space, separating the interior and exterior areas. ‘It acts as a transitional area that invites you out,’ Hrdalo explains. ‘It was designed to be used during winter, hot days and chilly summer nights, all possible due to the flexibility provided by the home’s sliding shutters.’

Chilean architecture

Created by Chilean architecture firm Hrdalo, the house is an elegant composition in concrete and Corten steel

(Image credit: Nico Saieh)

Wood panelling

Wood panelling covers the interior, with polished concrete floors offsetting the warmth of the walnut furniture and doors

(Image credit: Nico Saieh)

Natural light

The home was designed to frame the views of its surroundings and to bring natural light in

(Image credit: Nico Saieh)

Guest rooms

The ground floor holds the majority of the living spaces, from an open plan living and dining area, to study and guest rooms

(Image credit: Nico Saieh)

Master suite

A much smaller second level is entirely dedicated to the master suite

(Image credit: Nico Saieh)

Private terrace

The house also features a series of inner courtyards and a generous, private terrace

(Image credit: Nico Saieh)

INFORMATION

For more information, visit Hrdalo’s website

Photography: Nico Saieh