A well conceptualized beach house sits on top of a hill in Tunquen, Chile. This beach house has a spectacular view but also boasts of using sustainable green architecture and design to complete its structure. Solar panels and a wind- powered well are just some of the highlights this home made use of.
Owned by Claudia Schneider, this home has proven to survive an 8.0 magnitude earthquake that hit the South American Coast. It caused buildings to crumble and tsunamis to sweep the shores, but this house suffered nothing but a few cracks on its drywall.
The home was designed by Barbara Bernal (Schneider’s daughter) and her partner Nick Foster of Foster Bernal Architects. This architectural firm holds office and practices in both Chile and Canada. They utilized solar panels for power, wind turbines, and a well that is based on gravity for water supply.
Heating and cooling strategies that were incorporated into the structure provide superior air circulation around the house as well.
The architects maintained sustainable design by making use of local timber and stone from the area. This proved to be a benefit not only for proximity reasons, but making use of this stone provided a thermal wall. It absorbs heat during the day and releases it at night for much needed warmth.
