The Alto Chacay mining camp masterplan, located near Salamanca, was designed to accommodate 1,553 workers, offering a fully integrated solution that includes five dormitory buildings, a dining hall/cafeteria, administrative offices, laundry facilities, technical areas, and recreational spaces. The scope of work encompassed both the development of the master plan and the preliminary architectural definition of the complex.

The design strategy centered on efficient land use through a compact layout that prioritized vertical construction, thereby reducing walking distances, optimizing operational flows, and maximizing the functional integration of the various programmatic elements.

A key feature of the project is a low-rise access and distribution platform, strategically located at the heart of the complex. This central volume organizes circulation between the dormitory buildings and houses shared amenities such as the cafeteria, meeting spaces, and the main pedestrian corridor. It serves as the operational and social hub of the camp, facilitating a seamless transition between public and private zones.

The dormitory buildings were conceived as vertical blocks, rising up to seven stories. Subtle volumetric shifts, along with variations in height and openings, serve to break the monotony of the modular repetition, offering a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional mining dormitory. The peripheral layout of these blocks around the central core helps define enclosed courtyards and outdoor spaces, creating protected microclimates within the arid landscape.

In response to the dry and rugged Andean setting, the project incorporates strategically placed vegetation and shaded pedestrian pathways, along with a material palette that harmonizes with the natural tones of the terrain. From selected vantage points, the volumes open toward the surrounding views, fostering a strong visual connection with the landscape while maintaining the overall compactness of the ensemble.

Additionally, the project includes technical support areas, parking, vehicular circulation routes, and controlled access points, ensuring both operational safety and logistical efficiency for the camp.