Painters Studio in Bahia Azul by Felipe Assadi + Francisca Pulido.

Nestled into the dramatic Chilean coastline is a modest Painter’s Studio by Felipe Assadi, Francisca Pulido and Alejandra Araya. The petite rectilinear enclosure protrudes from the cliff face as an elongation of its own window frame and an extension of the surrounding terrain. Indirect light pours in from above making it the perfect setting for painting.

The studio sits alongside the painter’s main house which is a large sloping statement. Both buildings are made from the same evocative board-formed concrete but Bahia Azul House is the bold, badass big brother which anchors itself atop the land. In comparison the Painter’s Studio is an isolated, sensitive structure that mediates between land and sea.

A narrow metal staircase descends into the earth to form the sunken entry. From this vantage point the building’s form is totally immersed and blanketed by the rooftop decking and planting beds above. From the other perspective the studio cautiously peeks out from its surrounds and is a rigid, sculptural form amidst the jagged rock face.

Even though the retreat is solid and embedded within the ground, it feels remarkably open, bright and weightless inside. Dappled light streams through from the courtyard, skylight and full height window beyond. The interior is left intentionally sparse with the workspace, powder room and heater built into one side. This utility side is clad in pale timber and texturally compliments the board formed concrete walls.

The rest of the space is dedicated to painting and total admiration of the spectacular view. In the Bahia Azul House, the Los Vilos coastline is captured with carefully constructed apertures that frame different views. In the painter’s studio one magnificent vista is on show. And dios mio, what a view it is! A cleverly framed composition that is so provocative it could inspire a masterpiece.

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[Photography © Fernando Alda.]