Catalejo’s house (telescope) floats above the ground
Catalejo (Spyglass) by Tololo Ugarte is a vaulted shelter designed to echo and extend the natural environment into the interior space. Located in Limache, Chile, the project was born from the site itself, which contrasts the landscape with four ancient trees, each over 300 years old, and a fertile meadow that changes its appearance with the seasons. Summer presents a semi-arid landscape, but winter and spring rains make wildflowers lush and transform the ground into a lush, undulating blanket that stretches out to the side of the house.
The house is designed to float just above the ground, with grass growing underneath, giving the impression of floating in a “green lagoon”. This approach integrates the natural seasonal changes in the terrain as an active part of the architectural experience. The ancient Quille and Mole trees stand out as a monumental and timeless presence in the landscape and were key points in the direction of this structure. The house is well-spaced along these trees, and its arched, double-height ceilings amplify the views and bring the forest inside.
All images by Mauricio Duarte Arratia
The circular open form depicts the landscape inside.
The house’s circular form reinforces this connection, drawing the surrounding landscape into each room and creating a fluid transition between indoors and outdoors. Here, the natural environment is not just a backdrop, but a dynamic and integral element that reshapes the perception of interior space. Tololo Ugarte’s design team selected the home’s materials with visual harmony in mind, aiming to blend the architecture into its context and reduce visual area. Catalejo serves as an exploration of a living space that encourages a continuous dialogue with nature. By framing the landscape and transmitting light, the design promotes a sense of place, turning each window into a lens focused on the changing landscape. This allows the constructed structures to become a form of interaction, creating an experience that increases understanding of the land.
The Catalejo (Spyglass) by Tororo Ugarte is an arched structure that connects with the surrounding landscape.
The catalejo sits just above the ground and appears to be floating above the wildflowers.
Vaulted double-height ceilings expand forest views and seamlessly bring nature into the home’s interior.
Catalejo’s circular form facilitates a fluid transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
