In southern Chile, particularly the Region of Los Lagos and the Chiloé archipelago, wooden shingles have long served as a staple in local architecture. Traditionally made from alerce wood due to its durability and beauty, these shingles have been central to the construction of homes and buildings. However, rampant logging has endangered the alerce tree, leading to its protection since 1976. Architects today are innovating by using recycled shingles or alternative materials, preserving local traditions while adapting to ecological challenges.
Shingles are flat, thin rectangular wooden boards commonly used in the construction of houses, churches, and buildings in southern Chile, mainly in the Region of Los Lagos.
The most commonly used wood in Chile is alerce (larch), due to its resistance to moisture, versatility, aesthetic beauty, and ease of manipulation.
Due to excessive logging, the alerce species is now endangered, and cutting down live trees has been prohibited since 1976.
Today, synthetic shingles made of fiber cement or recycled materials from older constructions are being developed.
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