Miel养蜂人展馆丨智利丨Pezo von Ellrichshausen

Architecture studio Pezo von Ellrichshausen has built a concrete structure that looks like a temple, but is actually a shed for storing beekeeping equipment in central Chile.

Miel was installed in a forest clearing in Yungay, Chile, on a 130-hectare rural site owned by studio founders Mauricio Pezo and Sofia von Ellrichshausen.

The facade looks like a temple

The 36-square-metre building provides Von Ellrichshausen, who has taken up beekeeping, with space to store her suit and equipment.

The design most resembles a temple at the front. Here, a frieze and a pair of pilasters provide a sense of monumentality, while the words "Ni mas ni menos", which translates as no more no less, are carved above the door.

The rear of the building forms a staircase

From the rear, the structure looks more like a staircase. A stepped roof gives the building a triangular profile and makes it possible to climb up.

"The concentrated and directionless footprint acquires an axial sense, explicitly asymmetrical, with one high side perhaps completing an imaginary cube, and its opposite side with no elevation at all," said the architects.

It's possible to climb up onto the roof

The structure looks like it was assembled from blocks, but it was actually cast in situ. The pouring was carried out in 60-centimetre layers, with each layer forming two steps.

Inside, a mural of fine white lines creates the image of a simple hut, while a 45-degree oculus was placed to create dynamic lighting conditions throughout the day.

An oculus window creates dynamic lighting across the day

Miel is the fourth structure that the couple have built on the rural property, which sits at the foot of the Andes.

The first was Luna, which is the architects' home, but which also hosts workshop facilities, galleries and residences for artists. They later added Lama and Rosa, a pair of pavilions that offer different ways of experiencing the landscape.

"We wanted to create a series of little pavilions that overcome a functional need, becoming mini sculptures," Von Ellrichshausen told Dezeen.

"Miel serves a purpose but also has another dimension," she added. "Even if it's closed, you're able to climb on the roof and sit among the foliage of beautiful native trees, which is this forest we're trying to protect."

A wall mural depicts the outline of a simple hut

The long-term goal is to turn the entire property into a cultural centre and nature reserve, run by a foundation called Fundación Artificial.

Pezo and Von Ellrichshausen moved to Yungay after more than a decade living in the self-designed Casa Cien in Concepcion.

Miel is located on a 130-hectare rural site in Yungay

Ellrichshausen "fell in love" with beekeeping after taking it up during the Covid pandemic. She produces her own honey, with beehives located close to the pavilion.

"It's a magic little place where you can bottle the beauties of this property and eat them!" she said.

The photography is by Pezo von Ellrichshausen.

Project credits

Architect: Pezo von Ellrichshausen Collaborators: Magdalena Loesche, Giacomo Biotti, Tianhao Mei, Pietro Rosatelli Structure: Sergio Contreras Construction: Constructora Natural