Max Núñez Arquitectos – Chile’s modern architectural maestros
Chile is a prosperous South American nation and – an interesting fact – the world’s longest country (almost 2700 miles north to south). Aesthetically ensconced as I am in my office in The Bakery in Belfast, Chile feels a million miles away, a far removed nation on the other side of the world. Yet, Chile is a country towards which I feel a strong emotional pull. It is in part due to its past political upheavals and struggles, its famous figures and revolutionaries, something to which I can relate as an Irishman. Yet more pragmatically, my pull towards Chile is based on my liking for Chilean wine – arguably some of the finest in the world – and most notably, Chile’s modern architecture.
Images (above and at top): Camino A Farellones, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile. Completed January 2006.
I would argue that Chile’s modern residential architecture is in many ways unrivalled, anywhere. Chilean architects – arquitectos – must consider several pertinent factors in their work, not least of which include the landscape and geology of an earthquake prone territory. From The Andes to The Pacific to the Atacama Desert, Chile’s topography is a challenge for even the most confident of architects. Additionally, architects need to factor a number of contexts within their work, particularly environmental and cultural. Taken together, each of these factors provide fertile grounding for modern dwellings that are world-class in their design and execution.
Los Molles, Cachagua, V Region, Chile. Completed December 2009.
In an interview with Dwell about Chile’s capital, Santiago, architect Sebastián Irarrázaval advocated: “The Chileans associate modernism with prestige, with being forward-looking.” He commented: “It shows the world that Chile is part of a global trend. It’s a way of saying we are not isolated, because Chile had been isolated for so long.” He proposed: “Good buildings that are fresh and original can be born here [in Chile].”
Cerro Tacna, Maitencillo, V Region, Chile. Completed December 2007.
With a focus on that latter sentiment, I was captivated by images of the ‘10 x 10’ house designed by Chilean architects, Max Núñez and Nicolás del Rio. ’10 x 10′ was awarded Best New Private House in the Wallpaper* Design Awards 2013. Built in Las Condes, Santiago, it derives its name from the 10 x 10 metre central courtyard around which the house is framed.
Images: 10 x 10, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile. Completed December 2010.
Max Núñez is a Chilean architect whose architectural practice – Max Núñez Arquitectos - epitomises that genre of Chilean modern architecture by which I am enthralled. Looking through the studio’s catalogue of work, both built projects and those in progress, I experience an overwhelming sensation of wonderment. Somewhat difficult to articulate, I have a longing to be physically present in the spaces that are depicted, to experience their personality and character, to feel the context in which they have been imagined and discover the environment in which they have been constructed. But as I have already expressed, Belfast is a long way from Chile, and so I am left to ruminate, imagine and form my own evocative pictures of Max Núñez Arquitectos’ work.
Images: Los Canteros, Farellones, Chile. Completed June 2008.
Perfectly befitting the ethos of Walnut Grey Design, Max Núñez Arquitectos make use of a modern palette of materials, including concrete, steel, glass, stone and wood. Projects work with varying types of terrain and nature’s elements, and help to frame vistas from the perspective of an individual on the inside looking out – over a courtyard, mountains, valleys, the city and the ocean. Each built project makes a powerful statement, as a combination of the materials used, an expression of design, a functional objective and a sense of being.
Images: Chalet C7, Portillo, Chile. Completed June 2008.
Max Núñez Arquitectos is a relatively young studio that has already amassed an enviable volume of architectural pearls. Their brilliance can be seen in the translation of projects, from design to build, working across a diversity of landscapes, using modern materials to create elegant and inspiring structures and spaces. They are both present and future, deserving of the Wallpaper* accolade and part of an admirable lineage of Chile’s modern architectural maestros.
Projects in progress:
Cienpies, Riñinahue, Lago Ranco, Chile.
400 Columns, Chicureo, Santiago, Chile.
Leonera, Farellones, Las Condes, Chile.
What’s your view on this style of architecture?
All images © Max Núñez Arquitectos.
New editions of Walnut Grey’s discerning design blog published on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
What fantastic images and an interesting and informative post! Thank you.
I can see why the architecture appeals to you so much. It's VERY Mr Grey indeed! I always find such modern architecture a little bare and museum like, although I really appreciate the amazing innovations that transpire.
I don't drink alcohol so had no clue that Chilean wine is amongst the best in the world and I also didn't know that Chilean residential architecture is (in your opinion, I know) unrivalled.
The shot of the chalet at night is just out of this world. xx
Iam from Chile (viña del ma) a beautiful city.. With the pacific and mountains, I thank your interesting post! Most of people do not have idea how is Chile and what important things has as country… A good country to live! There are many things and many interesting professionals… Thank you a lot! Now Iam in Spain doing some studies..but soon I come back to my dear and long country. regards
I agree, great images! I think what I love most is that the Chilean modernism stays connected to and respectful of the beauty of the natural environment. None of the ultra-sleek spaceship-like designs. The result – at least in my opinion – is an inviting sense of serenity.
Wel, I learned quite a few things here G! Thank you. Most interesting to learn is your pull to Chile – but given these images and your love for wine, I completely understand. Lately I feel a strange pull towards New Zealand… Don't know why, maybe I should look into the architecture/design scene there …
I'm amazed by Camino A Farellones and Chalet C7.
Xx. Holly.
Thanks Tina. This architecture is very much in keeping with the Walnut Grey ethos. I do love it and hope to one day visit Chile.
I appreciate that modern architecture can appear austere and museum-like. To me the context in which these buildings are placed is what gives them a real edge. Some of the backdrops are incredible.
Gxx
Dear Claudia. Thank you so much for your comment. Chile has always fascinated me, at first from its revolutionary past, but now more so in its design & architecture. It is a country I dearly hope to visit one day.
Best wishes. Gerard.
Hi. I couldn't agree with you more. It is what attracted me to the work of Max Núñez. The context and frame of reference he uses for his architecture is what gives it a clear edge.
Hi Holly. Thanks
In fact New Zealand is another land that intrigues me and also has some incredible modern architecture. I need to go to Chile, you need to go to New Zealand… then we need to compare notes 
xx
Deal! Xx.
Very interesting post, im also Belfast born and bred and an architect, felt the allure of chile and left the eurozone currently based in Santiago, the worlds best kept secret! Shhh!
Hi Michael. Good on you. I can imagine that Santiago is a beautifully kept secret. I returned to Belfast recently after a number of years in London and in its own funny way, Belfast is also a bit of a well kept secret.
Thanks for the comment.
All the best!