The project is a renovation of a duplex apartment located in Santiago, Chile. The clients’ requirements were to achieve spaciousness, continuity and to add light.
After defining the type of space we wanted, we looked for the precise materials that would give us this continuity. We specified a single type of cement-porcelain flooring throughout, white walls, and AraucoPly plywood panels for the entirety of the furniture and staircase, even used it for the overhead dustcovers. The objective was to provide continuity, explained the architect.
The architect drew from experience having worked with AraucoPly plywood on a previous project called Sebastián Patri Barbershop. Here, AraucoPly demonstrated its versatility and potential. For this reason, she was motivated to use it a second time.
It is a good way to incorporate natural wood in the interior with the benefits of plywood that among its qualities are structural efficiency, and a panel where each face and even its edges, are in esthetic terms, a very attractive meeting of AraucoPly, the pattern of each layer and the contrast between the colors of each, Francisca expressed, in referring to the material by ARAUCO.
They designed a staircase that unites the two floors of the apartment and worked on a metal structure, enclosed with the AraucoPly panels. In the kitchen area, they eliminated the partition by designing an ample kitchen that integrated the living room and eating area with the entrance hall; and by replacing the existing partition with modern furniture, letting the light pass through and permitting good sight lines.
We designed functional furniture between the eating area and the hall, which separated and at the same time unified them. We built the furniture with AraucoPly panels and 3mm black steel shelves. The drawer pulls are 6mm steel bars, she added.
For us as an office, it was a challenge to explore and innovate with this plywood. It was a fun and interesting experience because we achieved such unique details. Especially in the kitchen, where we created clear glass display cabinets and we worked the frames of the cabinet doors with the edges of the AraucoPly. We found it so attractive.
Francisca added furthermore that they experimented with the material and various types of sealants and varnishes to assure that it would be easy to clean and would not lose its tone.
All the furniture is accented with black steel, to blend with the black lighting fixtures and appliances.
"The black iron accents are very elegant, exact, measured, without falling to the level of industrial," she explained. The project took two months to complete.
Learn more here.
Project Name: Santiago Apartment.
Project Year: 2016
Location: Chile
Architect: Francisca Vergara Arquitectos.
Furniture: Javier Arredondo
Contractor: Héctor Barrera
Website: http://franciscavergara-arq.cl
Materials Used: AraucoPly AC
