The Lima House is a single-family residence designed by Chilean architecture studio Pezo von Ellrichshausen and completed in 2025 on farmland near Chepica in the O’Higgins Region of Chile. The house is constructed entirely from concrete mixed with pink pigment to echo the warm tones of the surrounding soil and landscape. The plan is horizontally organized around a central outdoor courtyard with a long swimming pool, and curved quarter-cylinder walls at the corners articulate the spatial sequence. Rooms are arranged to face either the internal courtyard or exterior views of vineyards, fields, and distant hills, and vaulted ceilings with skylights allow natural light to penetrate deep into the interior spaces. The primary structure is oriented east-west to follow the path of the sun.
Sliding glass doors separate private spaces from transitional zones and link internal rooms with the outdoors. Interior finishes include timber boards that reflect the texture of the board-formed concrete walls. The residence is situated on a coastal cliff above Los Vilos and frames expansive views of the surrounding agricultural landscape through its rhythmically placed openings.
Image Credit: Pezo von Ellrichshausen
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Pigmented Concrete Architecture
- Utilizing concrete mixed with pigments offers endless aesthetic possibilities for structures to mirror the natural environment.
- Courtyard-centric Design
- Homes that feature centrally located outdoor courtyards can enhance natural ventilation and create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Sun-optimized Building Orientation
- Designing structures with careful orientation to the sun's path optimizes natural lighting and energy efficiency.
Sectors Adopting This
- Sustainable Architecture
- The use of pigments in concrete structures represents a growing trend toward eco-friendly building materials that harmonize with their environment.
- Residential Real Estate Development
- Innovative designs that integrate natural elements and landscape views can redefine luxury living and attract premium buyers.
- Interior Design Solutions
- Incorporating skylights and strategic openings can transform interior spaces by enhancing light quality and atmosphere.
