AKA Patagonia

August 14, 2020

Pablo Larroulet, the founder of LARROU ARQ, projected AKA Patagonia - a
cabins & lodge hotel in Puerto Natales, in southern Chile.



The Place: Encounter and contrast
Patagonia is one of the most important tourist destinations in Chile and the world, a geography that strikes you with its scale, untamed wilderness and the bond that’s generated between the visitor and the landscape.

The meeting of the elements hits you at first sight, the connection between water and glacier, rock and mountain, tree and earth; a contrast of materials, forms and colors, between the solid and the liquid, between the mountain gorge and the valley plain.
 The roots of this project lie in this concept: encounter and contrast, an architecture that emerges from the earth and becomes part of nature, rupturing forms that rise up like mountains, volcanoes and glaciers on the horizon of Puerto Natales.
Aka Patagonia is a tribute to the landscape.




Design

The project consists of six modules (private double rooms with a bathroom) and one communal module for relaxing, meeting and cooking.




The 6 prefabricated wooden modules were built in a shipyard and then assembled on site, strategically positioned to frame the views of the various natural attractions and to obtain the maximum level of natural light during the day. The entire construction was built on piles to have the lowest impact on the site. 
The space was designed so that guests can experience the continuous flow of nature, both inside and out.



Sensations and Materials
The lenga tree is a species native to the region. It envelops the project, even the roof, protecting the structure from extreme weather conditions. The lenga has evolved to grow in places with poor soil, cold climates and strong winds, where no other species can usually adapt.




The aging of the material is a key aspect of the project: achieving a fusion between the built environment and the landscape. Over time, architecture seeks to adapt to its environment, without competition or pretension, by becoming a part of it.



Photography by Fernanda Del Villar

Address: Puerto Natales, Magallanes, Cile Puerto Natales, Chile
www.akapatagonia.com
www.larrou.com

SHARE THIS

 Latest Edition

Mar / Apr 2026 edition is available now!

 Contribute

G&G _ Magazine is always looking for the creative talents of stylists, designers, photographers and writers from around the globe.

WRITE US

 Find us on

Latest News

By G&G _ Magzine April 29, 2026
During Milan Design Week, where the city becomes an intricate map of overlapping visions and fleeting installations, Bodo Sperlein delivers a moment of rare coherence and depth with MENU exhibition that transcends the conventional boundaries of design to inhabit architecture as a living, breathing entity.
By G&G _ Magazine April 15, 2026
From March 31 to April 3, 2026, at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, Hotel & Shop Plus 2026 Shanghai unfolded as far more than a trade fair: it emerged as a living, breathing platform where the very notion of travel dissolves, permeating every layer of contemporary lifestyle and spatial design.
By G&G _ Magazine April 10, 2026
Held in two phases, from March 18–21 and March 28–31 at the Canton Fair Complex, the 57th edition of CIFF demonstrated how design is no longer something merely displayed but something to be fully experienced through the senses: deconstructed, re-engineered and ultimately redefined in its deepest essence: matter .
By G&G _ Magazine April 6, 2026
Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW) is pleased to announce it will be returning to London’s EC1 on the 19 – 21 May 2026. Marking the 15th anniversary of this global design festival, a new curated series of largescale installations will be launched called Design Interventions .
By G&G _ Magazine February 19, 2026
At a time when design is redefining its priorities, the contemporary landscape of interiors, décor, and outdoor living is clearly shifting from a digital-centric vision toward a more human, emotional and nature-driven approach. This transition was strongly evident during the latest editions of Warsaw Garden Expo and Warsaw Gift & Deco Show , held at Ptak Warsaw Expo from 10th to 12th February 2026.
By G&G _ Magazine February 3, 2026
Merav Bustan, founder of the Berlin-based design studio bearing her name, is the creative force behind the interior design of the new boutique hotel, VIA Antwerp , located in the vibrant heart of the Zurenborg district.
MORE

 Subscribe

Keep up to date with the latest trends!

Receive a dose of inspiration directly into your mailbox!

 Popular Posts

By Zhanna Lysohorova May 14, 2026
A soft, luxurious atmosphere permeates every corner of the hotel, which embodies the spirit of the island through curated décor, thoughtful design, and immersive experiences. Mar Suites Formentera is a refined retreat where guests feel deeply connected to the surrounding landscape and to a slower way of living.
By G&G _ Magazine May 4, 2026
In a world where true luxury is no longer defined only by comfort and elegance but increasingly by silence, nature and the ability to breathe, Hyatt Regency Dongguan stands out as an ideal destination to recharge and reconnect with what truly matters.
By G&G _ Magazine March 9, 2026
Between February 6 and March 8, Madrid Design Festival 2026 offered an intense program of exhibitions and events across the city. Throughout these days, it was possible to perceive the evolution of the festival, which expanded its program by integrating professional talks and meetings, revealing a strong desire among industry professionals to share the new Spanish approach to design with the world.