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Press Release

Among Quillayes Mountain Bathroom

A' Design Award 2025 Iron Winner in Sustainable Products, Projects and Green Design

18 April 2025

Among Quillayes Mountain Bathroom by Hector Nava
Among Quillayes Mountain Bathroom by Hector Nava
Among Quillayes Mountain Bathroom by Hector Nava
Among Quillayes Mountain Bathroom by Hector Nava
Among Quillayes Mountain Bathroom by Hector Nava

Hector Nava · CLIENT: Héctor Nava.

Set within a privileged natural environment, this architectural project redefines the relationship between construction and landscape with a focus on sustainability. Designed around a majestic Quillayes forest, the project minimizes environmental impact, integrating seamlessly with its surroundings. It uses locally sourced, low impact materials like wood, natural stone, and reclaimed railway sleepers, creating a rustic yet refined aesthetic in harmony with nature. The design emphasizes energy efficiency, reducing the overall carbon footprint and promoting long term ecological balance.

Press Kit

Unique Properties
This design is a sustainable architectural proposal that seamlessly integrates into its natural surroundings, respecting and enhancing the existing ecosystem. What sets it apart is its focus on minimal environmental impact and the use of locally sourced, low-impact materials such as wood, natural stone, and reclaimed railway sleepers. The harmony between architecture and nature, combined with a rustic yet refined aesthetic, makes it a model of sustainability and respect for the landscape.
Dimensions & Packaging
The project measures 3.45 m in width, 2.00 m in depth, and covers approximately 7 m². The maximum facade height is 3.2 m, adapting to the roof slope and respecting the natural topography. The design harmoniously integrates with the environment, optimizing the relationship between structure, materials, and landscape.
Tags
Integration with the landscape, sustainable architecture, natural materials, adaptation to the terrain, bioclimatic design, respect for the environment, terraced platforms, vegetation preservation.
Production Technology
The design follows a contextual architecture approach, blending site analysis, digital modeling, and exploratory models. Durable materials like natural stone, concrete, recycled wooden sleepers, and wood were chosen for their environmental harmony. Terraced platforms follow the topography, optimizing views and circulation. Sustainability principles were prioritized to minimize environmental impact and enhance construction efficiency.
Design Challenge
The biggest challenge in this design was balancing integration with the natural environment while meeting local regulations and technical requirements. Adapting to the mountainous terrain and preserving a landmark tree required innovative solutions to protect the ecosystem. Additionally, selecting sustainable materials was complex due to the limited availability of local options that met durability and aesthetic needs. Overcoming these obstacles required a creative approach and thorough site analysis.
Project Duration
The project started in March 2024 and finished in July 2024, located in the Arrayán mountain region in Lo Barnechea, Santiago Metropolitan Region, Chile.
Operation Flow
This space seamlessly blends with its surroundings, offering a welcoming and functional experience. The structure follows the land's shape, creating terraces that connect visually with the landscape. Wood and stone materials provide warmth and durability, while the layout optimizes light and ventilation. Every element is thoughtfully designed to ensure comfort and harmony with nature, enhancing the overall user experience.
Research
The project explores how architecture can respectfully integrate with the natural landscape using sustainable materials. Data collected through site visits and analysis of locally available materials shows that natural materials strengthen the connection between the design and its environment. This approach fosters sustainable architecture by promoting environmentally respectful solutions and creating functional spaces.
Inspiration
This project integrates architecture with nature, prioritizing minimal intervention and preserving the majestic arrayán tree as the centerpiece. Guided by site-specific research, the design utilizes sustainable materials like natural stone, concrete, and wooden sleepers for durability and aesthetic harmony. The terraced platforms follow the natural terrain, ensuring a seamless connection between the built environment and the landscape.
Image Credits
Image #1: Photographer Héctor Nava, Landscape and Architecture, 2024.
Image #2: Illustrator Héctor Nava, Design and Nature, 2024.
Image #3: Photographer Héctor Nava, Integration of Elements, 2024.
Image #4: Illustrator Héctor Nava, Cabin interior, 2024.
Image #5: Photographer Héctor Nava, Platform and Topography, 2024.
Patents
Copyright © Héctor Nava, [2024]

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