Ruka Mawenko: Lodge in Chiloe Part 1 Project 2008 Paula MunitaCatalina VillalobosLorena Paz Ferrer Pontifical Catholic University of Chile Santiago | Chile The project is located in the Chiloé Island, 100 km. from the city of Puerto Montt, Chile, at 42º South Latitude. The Pacific Coast of the Island is characterized by its winds and heavy rains. It is surrounded of abrupt cliffs and crystal water beaches, where the tourist route “Sendero de Chile” becomes a big balcony that oversees the ocean. The lodge is placed between the dense forest and the cliff, opening the views to the Aulén Beach and Chepu’s river mouth. The lodge is thought as a big roof-shelter, which responds to the weather in two different layers: a big rainproof cover made of zinc, that gives its back to the hard winds and rains, and a second layer made of native wood and filled with Chiloe’s sheep wool as insulation, generating a warm interior. Both layers as a whole are capable of giving shelter to the tourist that visits the area. At the same time, the external coat collects rain water that is filtered and re-used inside the lodge, combining it with the wood heating system.The lodge is planned for 3 different types of tourists, with 2 people bedrooms, 4 people bedrooms and a big collective room for 20 people. The public spaces are always settled around the fire, at the reception and the dining halls. Ruka Mawenko is going to be the only shelter in the area and the main objective is to promote tourism in the south of Chile. This Project is part of a contest organised by the Colegio de Arquitectos de Chile, for the XV Bienal de Arquitectura 2008 entitled “Hacia una Arquitectura que Cuide Nuestra Tierra” (Towards an Architecture that Preserves our Earth).The basic program for the building consists of a maximum of 100 housing units arranged freely. The proposals may include annexed programs and must contemplate the design of the immediate public surroundings. The spirit of the appeal is oriented towards highlighting the individuality of each region of Chile, by means of innovative projects adapted to each scenario.