The shotgun house gets a modern upgrade in Chile

The shotgun house, known for its long, narrow layout, is a staple of American South. Popularized in the late 19th century, the architectural style is marked by a series of rooms that are connected by doors in lieu of a hallway, creating the effect of one giant living space.

Throughout the last century, shotgun houses have fallen out of style (you can still find some historical gems on the market), but the form is now getting a modern-day update thanks to Chilean architect Alejandro Soffia.

Outside of Santiago, Chile, Soffia has built a wooden home that stretches the length of the property. The 4,600 square-foot blackened timber structure is split into two residences, each connected by a long, thin deck that runs outside the entrance. In contrast to the dark exterior, the two-story interior uses white-washed oak, giving the spaces a clean, serene ambiance.

Soffia’s design takes a few liberties from the shotgun houses of yore, but it nods to the style’s legacy of simple construction and efficient temperature control. The entire structure is built with prefabricated structural insulated panels, making the building an eco-friendly continuation of a long architectural history.

Via: Dezeen