Chilean architecture firm Pezo von Ellrichshausen anchored this monolithic concrete block at the edge of a cliff overlooking the Chile's Pacific Ocean, to act as "a natural object, in its ambiguous scale."

Named Loba House, the rectangular opaque block is situated at the edge of a cliff on Chile's Coliumo Peninsula, facing a sea-lion reserve on the Pacific Ocean. Designed as "a real cottage", this small building is more than a hut but less than a house, according to the studio.

Occupying a total of 70-square-metre footprint on a greenery plot, with its under dimensioned thickness, narrow and tall proportion, the building could be read as an inhabited wall that runs perpendicular to the natural topography.

"Perhaps the only distinction between objects and things resides in their scale. Closer to any natural thing, in its ambiguous scale, this small building is more than a hut but less than a house: it is a cottage," said Pezo von Ellrichshausen in a project brief.

Two lines determine the height of this wall: a continuous horizon and a stepped sequence of six platforms that descend towards the sea. 

The separation between that horizontal roof - with the function of an open terrace - and the regular extension of the ground - with the informal arrangement of rest, dinning and living - a single asymmetrical room, is interrupted by three massive columns and two bridges. Bedrooms are placed in the upper platforms, with low ceiling, sofas or tables are situated to be in the lower platforms, within a vertical space.

"There is a discreet regime of openings at either sides of the long volume with some punctual skylights, a few half-moon perforations that could be used as sun clocks and a singular corner window divided by a round pillar," added the firm.

"This is the only window with unframed glass flushed to the outer concrete surface. Mirroring the sunset, an almost impossible and illusory floating rock rests right on top of that reflection."

Completed in 2017, the house presents a dramatic interior space, as all walls are left with concrete material that is activated with monolithic columns. The project was led by Mauricio Pezo and Sofía von Ellrichshausen, co-founders of Pezo von Ellrichshausen. 

All images © Pezo von Ellrichshausen 

> via Pezo von Ellrichshausen