Studio Octay
Puerto Octay, Los Lagos, Chile
After completing my second year at TU Delft, I spent my summer break working on a personal design project. What began as a simple sketch gradually evolved into a complete architectural concept. Located in Puerto Octay, Chile, near Volcano Osorno, Studio Octay envisions an architectural office surrounded by forest and open landscape.
The design emphasizes natural ventilation, daylight, and the use of locally sourced timber as its main structural and finishing material. The entire load-bearing frame is made of wood, resting on twenty-four columns that lift the office above the terrain. This approach was inspired by the traditional palafitos of nearby Chiloé Island, timber houses raised on stilts above the water.
The design originated from this single sketch, exploring the idea of a timber construction elevated from the ground on exposed concrete foundations. From there, I refined and developed the design of the building to respond to the sloping terrain, with one side of the roof curving gently into the hillside landscape.
Interlocking timber elements create a distinctive structural system with a curved, waffle-like roof and an elevated second floor. The open first level provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, complemented by a continuous balcony wrapping around the building.
The interior design highlights the exposed timber structure, allowing the architects working inside to stay constantly aware of the natural materials surrounding them. The open-plan layout provides full flexibility of use, fostering a dynamic and collaborative workspace with natural ventilation and plenty of daylight.
On the second floor, small areas for presentations and model making are combined with additional workspaces. Large, partially shaded windows filter soft daylight into the interior, creating a calm and focused atmosphere.
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