chile-based studio DRAA, together with architect magdalena besomi, construct cabin shangrila as the first of a series of elevated mountain cabins designed to populate a tall native woodland. centuries old trees can be found on the site in chile?s nevados de chillán which is bordered by a 100-meter vertical basalt face and a stream. the soil is rich in biodiversity as large fallen trees nearby support new life. during the wintertime, the canopy overhead thins allowing more light and thick snow to penetrate.

image by felipe camus
 
 
inspired by these trees, DRAA designed cabin shangrila to lift upwards in the search for light. the structure is buttressed on a thin concrete platform, minimizing the impact on the ground. the platform presents oblique and opposing angles, detaching from the sturdy and the predictable. this base is elevated nearly ten feet above ground where a light, prefabricated system of structurally insulated panelling is installed. in the cabin?s interior, the circulation continues upwards with sectional shifts that categorize each space and nook. the program progresses from the airlock entrance, bedroom and bath, kitchenette and ultimately a sitting room with a massive glazed wall facing north just above the canopy.
image by felipe camus
 
 
the owners themselves directed the construction of the project, working as a family onsite together with a local team. the owners input included such tasks as assembling metal stairs and railings, installing th...