Pollux Refuge | Rubén Rivera Peede

In Patagonia, Aysén, on a narrow rural terrain of 200 x 30 meters, located on Lake Pollux southeast of Coyhaique City, the Pollux Refuge is located, designed for family and recreational rest; on holidays, weekends and fishing seasons, which is one of the main activities of the place, due to the presence of salmonid species such as “Rainbow Trout”.

The unique characteristic of the land - which runs from southeast to northwest in its longest stretch - is its dense lenga forest, from the top of its topography and its beautiful arrival to the shores of the lake, a determining factor when siting the project, defining itself as an articulating element between these two characteristics, which is evident when crossing the forest to the refuge, and the amazement upon arrival when discovering the landscape of the lake from the interior.
 
The volume is presented as a single element, which rests lightly on a clearing between the lenga forest and the lake, in order to intervene as little as possible in the place, letting the land pass under the work. Much of the volume was covered by a ventilated facade of raw wooden boards (lenga) obtained from local sawmills, arranged vertically without intervention, achieving different tones due to their natural oxidation over time. The facades become closed depending on the circumstance, more opaque towards near boundaries, and more open and passable towards the lake for its enjoyment.
 
Internally, living in the refuge occurs with uninterrupted contemplation and a constant perception of the forest, more open and flexible in the common area, which is externalized and dilutes its limits towards the lake as the climate allows. In this area, the height is greater, leaving the lenga structure of the roof visible, evidencing its slope, making its highest point transparent with a continuous window towards the forest. The private area, on the other hand, is more limited, with a long window that visually projects the route and the landscape, while remaining spatially flexible, by incorporating folding and sliding walls that allow the bedrooms to relate and expand towards the social area and towards the incredible views

Structurally, it is formed from a metal chassis, which is anchored to the ground by deep foundation to isolated concrete bases, a platform on which the structure is raised, based on SIP panels and wood.