Cero House

Cero House 

Estudio Sur Arquitectos

Cero House
© Nico Saieh

MANUFACTURERS
Arauco, Kitchen Center, Mk, Micropiso

LEAD ARCHITECTS
Camilo Fuentealba Y Eduardo Díaz

PHOTOGRAPHS
Nico Saieh

SITE AREA
53820 Ft2

AREA
1292 Ft²

YEAR
2023

LOCATION
Puerto Varas, Chile

CATEGORY
Houses

Cero House
© Nico Saieh

Text description provided by architect.

Casa Cero is located in southern Chile, nestled within a dense forest of abundant vegetation in the city of Puerto Varas.

The brief was to design and build an economical home of 120 m², using only a small clearing in the land and interfering with the natural environment as little as possible.

Cero House
© Nico Saieh
Cero House
© Nico Saieh

A unique, slender, and simple volume clad entirely in wood was proposed. The residence is organized into six interconnected levels, a vertical design that maximizes the use of space without expanding horizontally.

This structure not only optimizes the footprint but also provides different views of the forest from each level.

Cero House
© Nico Saieh
Cero House
© Nico Saieh

The central staircase acts as the core of the house, facilitating movement between levels and allowing a smooth transition of light and air, creating an atmosphere of openness and connection.

The lower levels of the house house a spacious kitchen and living area, designed to offer a bright and welcoming space that encourages social interaction.

Cero House
© Nico Saieh
Cero House
© Nico Saieh

Large windows allow natural light to flood the interior, providing direct views of the surrounding forest.

This visual connection between the interior and the exterior reinforces the feeling of being immersed in the natural environment.

On the upper levels, the private areas, including bedrooms and workspaces, are located. Each of these levels is oriented to maximize panoramic views of the forest and the entry of sunlight, contributing to a serene and stimulating environment.

Cero House
© Nico Saieh
Cero House
© Nico Saieh
Cero House
© Nico Saieh

The arrangement of spaces seeks to balance privacy with openness to the natural surroundings, offering a comfortable retreat that aligns with the vegetation.

The top level is dedicated to a multifunctional space that can adapt to various needs, such as recreational areas or workspaces. This level benefits from abundant natural light and beautiful views of the native tree canopies of the area.

Cero House
© Nico Saieh


Cero House
© Nico Saieh
Cero House
© Nico Saieh
Cero House
© Nico Saieh


Cero House
Plan - Site
Cero House
Plan - 1st floor
Cero House
Plan - 2nd floor
Cero House
Plan - 3rd floor


Cero House
Section A
Cero House
Section B


Cero House
East elevation
Cero House
West elevation
Cero House
South elevation
Cero House
North elevation
Cero House
NE Axonometry