Between a Cone and a Cylinder: Rode House in Chonchi

Photo: Pezo von Ellrichshausen
Mauricio Pezo and Sofia von Ellrichshausen describe the house, which stands in a large meadow on the island of Chiloé, as “an interrupted encounter between a cone and a cylinder.” The addition of rectangular elements creates an unconventional series of spaces that set a contrast to the circular structures. The spatial effect, above all in the middle portion of the house, is accentuated by a dramatic slope of the roof.
The inner courtyard, which is partly paved, provides shelter from rain and strong wind. A functional interstitial layer contains the necessary infrastructure: a kitchen unit, bath and toilet rooms. Despite its exact geometry, the house seems asymmetrical from outside, for the symmetry is broken by an additional volume that stands in front of the main house.
The entire house was built of local wood. While the walls and ceilings are clad with planks both inside and out, the conical roof is covered with traditional, thin wooden shingles.
The inner courtyard, which is partly paved, provides shelter from rain and strong wind. A functional interstitial layer contains the necessary infrastructure: a kitchen unit, bath and toilet rooms. Despite its exact geometry, the house seems asymmetrical from outside, for the symmetry is broken by an additional volume that stands in front of the main house.
The entire house was built of local wood. While the walls and ceilings are clad with planks both inside and out, the conical roof is covered with traditional, thin wooden shingles.