Lorena Troncoso Creates a Functional Cabin for a Couple of Rock Climbers

Architect Lorena Troncoso-Valencia is no stranger to the design of small spaces (I’ve previously featured her work here). This time around we’re taking a look at a small shelter mountains of Pinto, Chile.

The shelter is a refuge for a couple who are avid rock climbers. It’s intended to provide them with basic amenities in order to recover after a days excursions.

The project was completed back in 2016 and consists of a temporary dwelling. The owners received permission on build on the land, provided that it was within local limits on size. As a result the cabin has a footprint of just 258.33-square-feet (24-square-meters).

Given that the owners were young and agile, Troncoso wasn’t afraid to take advantage of the vertical height: “he main restriction was the limited surface, but the user’s physical ability allowed to increase the surface vertically, expanding the space with a double height.”

The result is a contemporary haven, with sharp edges and crisp finishes. On the outside warm wood cladding is complimented by black metal sheeting. On the inside the wood is the dominant finish, covering most surfaces including the floor, walls, ceilings, and even the furniture pieces.

The interior’s basic finish reveals that the cabin is to be used for utility purposes. A small loft accessed by ladders acts as a sleeping space. The main living area is kitted out with a small kitchen and breakfast bar, a cozy living area, and a bathroom. The entire hut is heated by a wood burning stove.

Using wood throughout was an attempt to prevent the space from feeling small: “To avoid saturating the small space, the floor, sky and wall are covered with the same material.” All in all, I think the cabins a good example of functional design. The project has been dubbed PV Cabin.

For more cabins, check out this mountainside retreat that’s been built for a DJ. Or, this contemporary cabin by Tina Bergman that’s in touch with its surroundings. See all cabins.

Photos © Cristóbal Caro