In ancient civilisations such as the Greeks and Incas, pyrite often referred to as 'fool’s gold' was venerated for its radiant, metallic lustre and a perceived connection to the cosmos. Over time, the stone became a symbol of strength and resilience, transcending generations with its mythological significance. Its striking ability to spark when struck against metal made it invaluable for fire-starting in ancient rituals, leading to its christening as the ‘firestone’, a name derived from the Greek word ‘pyr’, meaning fire.

This reverence for pyrite finds its artistic manifestation in Casa Pyr, a lakeside private residence perched atop the rugged cliffs of Lake Panguipulli in Chile. Conceived by Santiago-based Cazú Zegers Arquitectura, the residential design emulates its bold, angular form from the mineral’s incisive, cubic geometry, exuding energy akin to pyrite’s mythical presence—grounded in the earth and reaching the sky. “The pyrite stone is the stone of the family and this project was envisioned as a family lodge designed to shield three to four generations in the future. The space gives a narrative to the family, fostering the creation of memories and bonds of love,” shares Cazú Zegers, founder of the eponymous studio, with STIR.

“The owners wanted a complete view, light and sun in the spaces,” the Chilean architect recounts. However, the site presented compelling challenges from sunlight streaming from the rear, a steep 40-foot cliff shrouding the north-to-western-facing lake view and an irregularly shaped terrain. Zegers employed meticulous research of the site’s microclimate to optimise natural light, shield against wind and frame the panoramic views. “This study led to the house design, where each level had a different orientation to get the most out of the three elements: sun (light), protection from the wind and views,” she explains. The sheer gradient of the terrain inspired a cascading layout, with the house emerging organically, like a geological outcrop rather than being imposed upon the landscape.

The timber design unfolds as a series of overlaid crosses with each level carefully positioned to capture optimal sunlight, reduce wind exposure and enhance the flow of natural ventilation. Drawing from the sacred geometry of flames, the three floors converge around a sculptural staircase cloaked in pine, symbolising the hearth-like connection at the heart of the home. This dynamic core connects the upper entrance to the lakeside on the lower level, embodying a sense of continuity and cohesion. The geometric narrative extends to the floor plan, where spaces radiate outward in a starburst pattern.

Each floor of Casa Pyr offers a distinctive experience. The upper level hosts the main entrance, an open-plan living and dining area and a south-facing deck with expansive glass walls. Below, the mid-level houses bedrooms that extend into the hillside and cantilever above the lake. The lower level, descending to the lakeshore, embodies the seamless transition between the built and natural environments.

The residential architecture’s material palette is a testament to Zeger’s commitment to sustainable and contextual design. “The materials I use are an integration of local processes with high-end sustainable design,” the architect proclaims. The project employs timber as its principal material for its structural flexibility in an earthquake-prone region. Concrete, limited to the subterranean levels, ensures durability against moisture and maintains a low environmental impact. The façade, cloaked in native grey-washed cypress, seamlessly integrates with the rocky landscape, while interiors, adorned with whitewashed pine, enhance light diffusion to craft a warm and inviting ambience.

Casa Pyr emphasises sustainability, energy efficiency and the use of local materials with a deep respect for the land. The wood construction not only reduces its carbon footprint but also aligns with Chile’s architectural heritage, particularly the UNESCO-listed Churches of Chiloe, reflecting a deep connection to traditional vernacular wood architecture. By embracing high-tech wooden solutions and earthquake-resistant engineering, the design demonstrates that sustainability and resilience can coexist without compromising aesthetic or structural integrity. “Timber represents the forest, growth, oxygen and life, essential for the wellbeing of all living beings,” states the Chilean architect in the press release.

The significance of timber extends beyond the residence, highlighting a broader vision for architecture both in Chile and across the globe. The studio identifies three stages in its timber trajectory: Vernacular Carpentry, Technified Carpentry and High-Tech Wood. This evolution mirrors global shifts in construction, as architects increasingly recognise it as the material of the 21st century. Alex de Rijke, Director of London-based practice dRMM encapsulates this sentiment as mentioned in the press release, “Just as the 17th century was the era of stone, the 18th century was the peak of bricks, the 19th century was of iron, the 20th century was of concrete, the 21st century will be the time of timber.”

Casa Pyr exemplifies this paradigm shift. The house embodies a profound connection to the land and its heritage, from its central staircase to its timber-wrapped volumes. As a family lodge, it creates a space for generations to forge memories rooted in an accessible design philosophy that respects the past while looking toward the future.

Previously published articles on timber construction on STIR include a social design facility fostering belonging through sustainable and accessible architecture, Lozaits-Seguin ESAT by Dream in France; a vibrant cultural hub in Norway’s Henningsvær, Trevarefabrikken by Tuckey Design Studio; and a low circular volume made of sustainably sourced wood, Valle San Nicolás – Clubhouse in Mexico by Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos.

Project Details

Name: Casa Pyr
Location: Lake Panguipulli, Región de los Ríos, Chile
Architect: Cazú Zegers Arquitectura
Collaborators: Francesca Fazzalari, Francisca Pereira, Carolina Wenzel, Joaquín Garin, Andrés Rengifo
Structural Engineering: Joaquín Valenzuela
Lighting Design: Antonia Peon
Decoration: Carolina Delpiano, Pía Correa
Landscape: Camila Tironi
Year of Completion: 2023