Brutalism, honey and philanthropy collide in a Chilean pavilion

The article introduces the Miel Pavilion, a new project by Chilean architecture studio Pezo von Ellrichshausen, located in the richly forested Yungay region of Chile. The pavilion is a compact, brutalist concrete structure that stands out against the snowy landscape and white-dusted trees of Santa Lucia Alto. This project is a self-initiated endeavor by the studio's founders, Sofía von Ellrichshausen and Mauricio Pezo, situated on their 150-hectare property adjacent to the Cholguan river, near the Andes mountains, at an elevation of approximately 1,000 meters above sea level. The Miel Pavilion is part of the Artificial Foundation, a non-profit initiative established by the architects. The foundation's primary goal is to protect the native forest in the region while simultaneously promoting the creation and appreciation of art within this natural setting. The entire philanthropic project, encompassing both the land and its structures, is intended for eventual public use, reflecting the architects' commitment to environmental conservation and cultural enrichment. The architects view themselves as custodians of the land, actively working to promote the arts in Chile. The pavilion serves as a physical representation of an organization dedicated to these dual preoccupations and symbolizes their overarching intentions. Its design aesthetic aligns with that of Luna House, the architects' expansive home and workspace also located on the property. Both structures emphasize craftsmanship and exposed concrete, showcasing a blend of texture and geometric compositions, and drawing inspiration from brutalist and minimalist architectural styles. Mauricio Pezo explains that the pavilion has a dual function. Primarily, it is designed for the processing of honey. However, when not actively in use for honey production, it transforms into an open infrastructural space. The building features a distinct asymmetry in its design, with an altarpiece-like façade oriented towards the sunset and an amphitheater-like section facing the sunrise, overlooking ancient trees. This thoughtful design allows the pavilion to serve both a practical purpose and an aesthetic one, integrating it harmoniously with its natural surroundings while reflecting the architects' artistic vision and their dedication to public engagement and environmental stewardship. #ChileanArchitecture #MielPavilion #PezoVonEllrichshausen #BrutalistArchitecture #MinimalistArchitecture #YungayRegion #SustainableArchitecture #ArtAndNature #ArchitecturalDesign #ChileanArchitecture #MielPavilion #PezoVonEllrichshausen #BrutalistArchitecture #MinimalistArchitecture #YungayRegion #SustainableArchitecture #ArtAndNature #ArchitecturalDesign