Nautical House MCM Prt. Varas 2011

Nautical House MCM Prt. Varas 2011, a set on Flickr.

This home is a beautiful example of the Mid-Century Modern influence on some of the homes and architecture here in Chile. This particular home sits in a town known for it's architecture (mainly modern) and the high income average. Puerto Varas is also known for it's tourism because of the huge lake Llanuquihue (pronounced: Yan-key-way) that it boarders.

So far, no one that I've been able to ask knows when this house was built. By design, one would think that it was built in the 50's/60's, but many forms of constructions popular in the states during this time are still employed in current Chilean construction. Therefore, I approximate that this home was probably built in the late 70's or early 80's.

My favorite elements of this home:
- Captains Windows: While I've not been able to see the inside of the home, I can only image the view from the captains windows benches.

- Fireplace: This chimney has a sculptural quality and design to it. Being more than just a typical rectangle or tube, this chimney continues to change from every angle.

- Exposed Beams: On the right side of the house you will see a clear view of the exposed beams, lending even more to the nautical/mcm feel being cut at sharp angles.

- Cantilevered patio: Starting from the hill, the patio is fixed on a well thought out beams. As a patio should, it takes full benefit of vantage point, and incorporates elements of the house. Using beams that follow the same design as the roof beams used on the house, and being painted white like the bottom of the house, the patio really feels like it's a part of the house.

- Contrast Texture: While the color pallet of this home is simple, brown and white, it allows for the true appreciation of the design in the house. Using white on the hard concrete sets it clearly sets the hard material apart from the soft, but dark wood, creating a natural balance.

This is where you readers come in. I know I have seen other mcm homes and buildings with this same slated (captains window) style. Do you know of any examples,or what the style is called? Thanks for any help you may give.
Eric McGrew

Chile Mid-Century

Chile Mid-Century, a set on Flickr.

When my wife and I recently moved to the "south of Chile" (anywhere from the 9th region further down), we did it for the climate and the difference in the scenery. The culture here is very distinct from those of the more northern regions and we find life a little simpler because it has a far more country fill and pace to it.
As it can be said, we are extremely happy with our choice and can't image living anywhere else. To give an idea, I've been told that where we live now is very much like norther Oregon. Hey! That's funny, we always wanted to move to Oregon.
So, beyond the wonderful views and rainy climate, we find that there are other benefits to living here. One is that there is a huge German culture. Many of the people who live here still speak German from the fact that the are German. They also make great German pastries... yum...! Beyond that however, they also use some typical architecture of the German mountainous areas.
Then, on top of all that, you have the fact that, well... this place is hugely touristic and therefore, they have an incredible amount of Cabins here. Of course, most of the older hostles and houses follow the Germanic heritage, ie. Old style German farm houses. There are also, many influences in the local housing and cabins that are MCM because many people bought and built in the mid to late 60's here. Another incredible thing is, that, people have built homes that look like they are straight out of the 50'/60's, but where only built in the 90's/2000's. Regularly, you see summer cabin owners building new rentals that follow that mid-century vacation home style.

I'm trying to get more active in my blog here again, and hope to be able to share a number more of post on the MCM influences here in Chile, and especially here where we live. For more info on the local climate and tourism, you should check out my tourism site that I have. During the winter things are slow, but I should have move post there soon. You'll find it at www.jemandes.com
In the photos posted you can see some of this influence. All I can say is, if you get a chance, this is a cool place to visit.