The commodious yet snug living room is a space in which the whole family can lounge around in at the close of each day
Cover The commodious yet snug living room in the home is a space in which the whole family can lounge around in at the close of each day
The commodious yet snug living room is a space in which the whole family can lounge around in at the close of each day

In the Chilean countryside overlooking the lush Valle Escondido, this detached house was crafted as a beautiful home perfect for a family of five

When Australian businessman Christopher and his wife Ivis decided to renovate their home at Sentosa Cove in Singapore back in 2009, they engaged Linear Studio Design to execute the transformation. While they did trust the firm to do a stellar job, they had not expected to encounter such a perfect match. Fronted by design director Monica Tan and senior designer Angeline Lopez, the practice ticked all of the homeowners’ boxes.

It thus came as no surprise that the family chose to bring the team on board once again when they embarked on their newest renovation project—even if it meant working across time zones and amid a global pandemic.

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Photo 1 of 3 The sleek show kitchen is perfect for entertaining
Photo 2 of 3 This large patio offers unblocked views of the valley
Photo 3 of 3 The tailored outdoor space also features a luxurious infinity pool
The sleek show kitchen is perfect for entertaining
This large patio offers unblocked views of the valley
The tailored outdoor space also features a luxurious infinity pool

Located in a private gated community in Lo Barnechea, Chile, the bungalow sits on a 22,400 sq ft plot of land overlooking the lush Valle Escondido. This unique location provides the family with privacy while still incorporating all the amenities they could wish for, including an exclusive clubhouse. Having developed a “deep understanding of the homeowners’ style, requirements, and vision for their living environment” over the years, Tan worked closely with Chilean architectural firm Matiás Silva & Arquitectos, landscape architect Margit Möller-Holtkamp and Brazilian company Bontempo Furniture to construct a dream home for the family.

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Delightful little details adorn every corner of the home
Above Delightful little details adorn every corner of the home
Delightful little details adorn every corner of the home

The resulting property spans 5,900 sq ft over three storeys and includes a well-appointed basement with a gym, a sauna, a music room for the family of multi-hyphenate creatives, and a dedicated workshop space. On the ground floor, the common areas make up the heart of the home, offering the family plenty of room to bond and enjoy their time together across living, dining and cooking spaces.

The kitchen is split into a wet zone for heavy-duty food preparation behind closed doors and a show kitchen for entertaining, in which friends and family are invited to relax and enjoy casual meals around the generous island, which is complemented by a built-in bar, a wine cellar, and a pantry area.

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Pared-down in design, this bedroom allows the enviable views of the Chilean countryside to take centre stage
Above Pared-down in design, this bedroom allows the enviable views of the Chilean countryside to take centre stage
Pared-down in design, this bedroom allows the enviable views of the Chilean countryside to take centre stage

Upstairs, things are kept private and quiet. The second storey accommodates four large bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a family room, and the wife’s study. The latter is a particular highlight, offering an unobstructed view of the sculptural staircase, which is one of her favourite features in the home thanks to its elegant detailing as well as its captivating architectural form.

Entering the master bathroom through opulent double doors, a freestanding bathtub is revealed on a softly illuminated platform, adding to the visual interest in this space and promising unparalleled relaxation in a spa-like ambience. Separate shower and WC enclosures ensure privacy, while segmented vanities allow the husband and wife to get ready simultaneously without compromising on individual comfort.

Read more: 7 new luxury faucets and shower fittings to transform your bathroom into a wellness oasis

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An elevated freestanding bathtub holds court as the luxurious centrepiece of the master bathroom
Above An elevated freestanding bathtub holds court as the luxurious centrepiece of the master bathroom
An elevated freestanding bathtub holds court as the luxurious centrepiece of the master bathroom

Breathtaking views of the valley can be enjoyed from every corner of the second floor; the layout maximises natural light and a connection to the surrounding landscape. The home’s expansive outdoor area incorporates an infinity pool, a patio, and a quincho, a typically Latin American enclosure dedicated to barbecues and al fresco dining.

“The layout reflects a thoughtful integration of functional zones and entertainment areas,” Tan shares. “It’s designed to accommodate various activities while maximising the property’s connection to its outdoor surroundings and the gorgeous view of the mountains.”

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This bedroom is clad in a soothing colour palette, enhanced by a wealth of natural light and unobstructed views of Valle Escondido
Above This bedroom is clad in a soothing colour palette, enhanced by a wealth of natural light and unobstructed views of Valle Escondido
This bedroom is clad in a soothing colour palette, enhanced by a wealth of natural light and unobstructed views of Valle Escondido

The design was inspired primarily by the property’s brutalist architecture, which is characterised by raw concrete and a solid, utilitarian appearance. Linear Studio Design retained this in the building’s facade treatment.

This architectural direction guided the team towards a harmonious interior that melds with the structural elements and enhances their integrity while refining the aesthetic appeal of the home. “We introduced a sense of elegance, refinement, and comfort with warm wood finishes, luxurious fabrics, and thoughtful lighting to soften the overall ambience and create a more inviting atmosphere,” the design director tells us.

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Multiple entertainment and relaxation spaces make it easy for the occupants to retreat to a cosy corner and unwind
Above Multiple entertainment and relaxation spaces make it easy for the occupants to retreat to a cosy corner and unwind
Multiple entertainment and relaxation spaces make it easy for the occupants to retreat to a cosy corner and unwind

Selecting these materials proved challenging, given the limited availability of many of the team’s preferred finishes in Chile. One key finish ultimately chosen for the home can be spotted cladding the cabinetry: a warm grey veneer, which allows for a seamless transition between the interior and exterior spaces.

Tan elaborates: “This not only adds warmth and texture to the cabinetry but also contributes to the overall design concept by blending with the surrounding environment.” 

Carefully curated furnishings liven up the interiors further and provide the family with plenty of relaxing spots; these include a limited-edition Armani Casa lounger purchased in Singapore and a series of lamps from Porta Romana acquired by the homeowners in the UK.

Another key feature is the fireplace bench, designed as a divider between the living and dining areas, and doubling as extra seating at large gatherings.

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Personalised touches ensure that the home is stylish as well as infinitely comfortable
Above Personalised touches ensure that the home is stylish as well as infinitely comfortable
Personalised touches ensure that the home is stylish as well as infinitely comfortable

“Quite a few of the furniture pieces have travelled around the world with the family,” Tan reveals. Conveniently, she was already familiar with some of them from her work on the family’s Singapore property. The furnishings that populate this Chilean bungalow’s living room are now complemented by a lovely Balinese oil painting.

Overcoming many challenges and obstacles, including a fully remote arrangement during the pandemic and a significant language barrier with the local crew, this one-of-a-kind project was beautifully completed, highlighting the team’s dedication and impressive collaborative effort across borders.

The finished home consistently impresses visitors upon entering and, more importantly, leaves its occupants wanting for nothing, thanks to its thoughtful spatial planning and wholly personalised design.

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The homeowners get to enjoy quiet days in this modern study, which is awash in natural light
Above The homeowners get to enjoy quiet days in this modern study, which is awash in natural light
The homeowners get to enjoy quiet days in this modern study, which is awash in natural light

“I am very proud of creating a dream home for my clients from scratch and crafting a space that reflects their personalities, lifestyles and aspirations,” the design director concludes. “This collaborative journey culminated in the realisation of a truly unique and personalised living environment that the family will enjoy for years to come.”

Credits

Photography  

Tomás Concha Larraín

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