At the heart of Calbuco, Chile, the Troya Viewpoint emerges as a striking timber structure by Dum-Dum Lab. Positioned by the serene Laguna Troya, it invites visitors to pause and immerse in the surrounding landscape. This innovative design, completed in 2026 with the support of Fondart Artistic Creation 2025, blends environmental interpretation with architecture. Spanning 38 square meters, the open classroom bridges the gap between nature and observation.
The intricacies of small timber
Designed by architects at Dum-Dum Lab, the Troya Viewpoint employs a stereometric system of small timber components. Utilizing Rhino, Grasshopper, and Karamba, the architects arranged these elements to adjust density and permeability throughout the structure. This dynamic framework allows for both subtle filtering of views and interaction with the environment, crafting an architectural experience where vegetation and wildlife intermingle with visitors.
For another take on minimalist Japanese interiors, see how a Tokyo townhouse reimagined exposed timber using similar construction techniques.
The sustainable design ensures that local flora can thrive around the structure, while birds can easily navigate and inhabit its porous frame. As such, the lookout stands as a dynamic entity along the lagoon, maintaining a respectful distance from the natural habitat it celebrates.
A functional platform for education
The viewpoint’s subtly stepped platforms face the lagoon, transforming the area into an engaging educational space. These timber levels offer an open-air, interactive setting for students, locals, and tourists alike. The design facilitates a deeper connection with nature, reinforced by illustrations from marine biologist Sol Pacheco Ortiz, which guide visitors through the area’s native flora and fauna.
Located in Putenío, the Troya Viewpoint is integral to a broader initiative fusing design, territorial research, and community involvement. It stands as not just a structure, but a pivotal piece of public infrastructure, weaving local knowledge into its essence.
A symbiotic relationship with nature
The unique timber framework of the structure allows light and living elements to flourish within and around it. Its design, featuring repeated timber elements, creates a lightweight yet resilient architecture, keenly attuned to the lagoon’s natural beauty. This ongoing interaction between the built and natural environments underscores the viewpoint’s role as both an observational and educational resource. The blend of design and nature fosters a unique space that encourages exploration and learning.
Project details
- Name: Troya Viewpoint
- Architect: Dum-Dum Lab | @dumdumlab
- Location: Laguna Troya, Calbuco, Chile
- Partner: Concón Maderas Impregnadas
- Design Team: Francisco Calvo, Katherine Cáceres, Juan Luis Marín
- Scientific Illustrator: Sol Pacheco Ortiz
- Construction Team: Pamela Villamar, Rosina Viotto Bergmann, Juan Peña, Florencia Verdugo Silva, Camila Vera Llanos, Mauricio Santana Münzenmayer, Bernardo Marín
- Photography: © Katherine Cáceres, Pamela Villamar
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com