On Ecuador’s flood-prone coast, where rural communities like Babahoyo have long depended on distant urban centers for opportunity, La Panificadora timber bakery by Natura Futura emerges as a self-managed catalyst for local autonomy. This compact, modular project reclaims the everyday act of baking bread, an Ecuadorian dietary staple, as a tool for economic empowerment, education, and community cohesion. Initiated with support from the Ammodo Architecture Award, the 100-square-meter structure is led by women and youth, enabling skills training, production, and commercialization under one roof.

La Panificadora is built from locally available teak wood and responds to the humid climate through permeable facades, lattice doors, and generous open galleries for cross-ventilation and light. Horizontal floating beams secure the modules above ground, ensuring resilience against coastal flooding. While minimal in size, the space is conceived as a hybrid of infrastructure, school, market, and gathering place.

all images by Jag Studio

La Panificadora combines bakery, library, and retail

La Panificadora sets a replicable model for regenerative development in satellite territories across the Global South. Despite the presence of shared public areas in Babahoyo, such as sports courts and small plazas, few have succeeded in activating local productive forces. The Ecuador-based studio Natura Futura flips this script. Instead of another underused civic gesture, it proposes a phased structure that begins with education and ends in enterprise. The program is split into two timber modules raised on pilings: to the right, a bakery and library; to the left, a communal kitchen, retail point for bread and tea, and an open link to the rural landscape via a collective staircase. A central patio anchors the project, bridged between both blocks, evoking passive architectural systems once typical of Ecuador’s coastal vernacular.

La Panificadora timber bakery by Natura Futura acts as a self-managed catalyst for local autonomy

this compact, modular project reclaims the everyday act of baking bread

bread-making becomes a tool for economic empowerment, education, and community cohesion

the 100-square-meter structure is led by women and youth

La Panificadora is built from locally available teak wood

enabling skills training, production, and commercialization under one roof

responding to the humid climate through permeable facades, lattice doors, and generous open galleries

a phased structure that begins with education and ends in enterprise

project info:

name: La Panificadora
architect: Natura Futura | @naturafuturarq

location: Babahoyo, Pimocha, Ecuador

area: 100 square meters

collaborators: Kevin Araujo, Eduardo Carbo, Bamba Studio, Roswhel Suarez, GAD Parroquial Pimocha, Airton Alvarez, Janina Carbo

illustration: Jaime Peña

drawing: Kevin Araujo

photographer: Jag Studio | @jag_studio

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom

The post permeable teak bakery by natura futura doubles as women-led learning space in ecuador appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Casa el Pastizal, designed by the architecture studio Diez + Muller, is a contemporary residence nested in the vast landscape of Machachi, Ecuador. The design approach emphasizes a harmonious relationship between the house and its natural surroundings, blending modern architecture with the inherent beauty of the Andean region.

The architects of Casa el Pastizal adopt an intuitive design process that emphasizes the connection between the built environment and nature. In a place of immense beauty and scale, the house’s fragmented volume is embedded into the landscape, almost effortlessly. Rather than imposing itself on the terrain, the building adapts to it, either sinking gently into the earth or rising and rotating to capture distant views. This careful manipulation of the topography allows the structure to merge with the environment while preserving the natural qualities of the site. The overall concept prioritizes a balanced dialogue between the existing landscape and the proposed architecture.

images © JAG Studio

diez+muller curates an unfolding experience

Designing Casa el Pastizal, the architects at Diez + Muller position the entrance along a lower point on the land, where a lateral ascent leads visitors toward the house. From a distance, the vertical elements of the structure come into view, gradually revealing the full design. The journey to the house is a dynamic experience, where movement and observation of the vast surrounding landscape unfold naturally.

The dwelling’s design places emphasis on the passage between spaces, creating an emotional journey that invites contemplation of the landscape from different vantage points. One of the greatest challenges of this vast site is ensuring that the user’s experience remains intimate and grounded. To address this, the architects incorporate patios, viewpoints, and thresholds that frame the landscape, creating a sense of enclosure that prepares the visitor for entry into the home.

Casa el Pastizal integrates subtly into the natural landscape, preserving the site’s beauty

Retreating into the Interior of Casa el Pastizal

In addition to its connection with the surrounding environment, Casa el Pastizal is designed by Diez + Muller as a retreat into the interior. The architecture provides spaces for quiet contemplation, where residents can disconnect from the everyday. The circulation through the house mirrors the experience of the external landscape — inviting pauses and moments of reflection. As light and shadow play across the surfaces, the rough textures and imperfections of the materials are revealed, adding character and depth to the spaces. These details highlight the beauty in simplicity, and they serve as a reminder of the subtle forces that shape the daily rhythm of life.

the house adapts to the terrain, either sinking into the earth or rising to capture distant views

The materiality and construction systems of Casa el Pastizal are chosen for their ability to adapt to the specific challenges of the site. The design prioritizes flexibility, plasticity, and durability, responding to the unpredictable conditions of the Andean equatorial climate at 3,200 meters above sea level. Load-bearing walls support large, elevated beams that span up to twelve meters, allowing the structure to bear significant weight while integrating large volumes of earth on its slabs.

This feature enables the creation of green areas atop the house, fostering vegetation that further connects the architecture to the land. The relationship between the interior and exterior spaces is defined by large, open areas that blur the line between inside and outside, creating a spatial fluidity that contrasts with the solid mass of the concrete structure.

the approach to the house is a dynamic journey that reveals the architecture gradually

patios and viewpoints create an intimate connection with the vast surrounding landscape

load-bearing walls and beams support large spans, allowing for green areas on the roof

the construction uses durable materials to withstand the Andean equatorial climate

the house offers spaces for retreat and contemplation, away from the everyday

project info:

name: Casa el Pastizal

architect: Diez + Muller | @diezmuller

location: Machachi, Ecuador

construction: Cueva & Cueva

furniture: RAMA estudio

completion: 2023

photography: © JAG Studio | @juanalbertoandrade.ec

The post casa el pastizal rises from ecuador’s vast landscape with rotating volumes by diez + muller appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

El Hormiguero, the latest project by Estudio 2850 with architect Janna Lasso Hadweh, showcases an elegant and restrained approach to architecture within Ecuador’s lush Andean Chocó region. This 24-square-meter cabin is barely visible from the road, blending into its natural surroundings behind a river stone wall and dense vegetation. Its minimalist design, featuring dark metal, charred wood, and glass, floats lightly over the lush greenery, sky, and mist.

Elevated atop nine metal stilts, the dwelling is perched along its narrow plot, oriented toward the town of Mindo. This placement takes advantage of the natural slope of the land, balancing privacy and expansive views. Despite its proximity to the road, the cabin’s design allows it to sit below the access level, offering seclusion while still opening toward the town. The approach to the cabin is designed to emerge from the dense vegetation — after a narrow entry path, the space opens up, creating a sudden feeling of expansiveness.

the cabin is located in the lush Andean Chocó region | image © JAG Studio, web header © Isabel Delgado

minimal impact on ecuador’s lush environment

The team at Estudio 2850 and architect Janna Lasso Hadweh orient El Hormiguero along the plot’s longitudinal axis, with a slight shift toward the south to optimize views of the nearby town of Mindo, Ecuador. By hugging the northwest boundary, the project maximizes the use of unbuilt spaces while maintaining a close connection to the natural landscape. Service areas, such as a semi-open shower screened with eucalyptus slats, are strategically placed on the side closest to neighboring properties. In contrast, the opposite side features a fixed mid-height window that spans the length of the cabin, bringing natural light into the lower floor without compromising privacy.

One of the core principles behind the design of El Hormiguero is minimizing its impact on the surrounding environment. The architects have intervened in the terrain only where absolutely necessary, preserving the native vegetation and wildlife as much as possible. The natural landscape surrounding the cabin remains largely untouched, with native plants growing freely and providing a direct connection between the cabin’s interior spaces and the unmanaged garden.

stilts elevate the structure, positioned discreetly on a narrow plot | image © Isabel Delgado

contrasting facades by estudio 2850

Ecuador-based Estudio 2850 divides the ground floor of El Hormiguero into two longitudinal halves, with each side receiving distinct material treatments. The northeast facade, facing the entry and road, is mostly concealed, with the upper floor bedroom screened by a wooden lattice for added privacy. In contrast, the southwest facade, facing the town and distant mountains, is more open and translucent, offering panoramic views and connecting the interior with the surrounding environment. A balcony extends from this facade, serving as a perch for birdwatching and blending into the natural surroundings with its matte, charred wood finish.

The interior design is equally thoughtful, with the upper floor bedroom offering uninterrupted views of the landscape through a skylight that runs along the cabin’s ridge. This skylight also filters light down to the ground floor, illuminating the space even on overcast days. The compact size of the cabin is offset by a versatile interior layout, where furniture and amenities are strategically placed to create a sense of spaciousness. Moveable elements such as stairs, tables, and partitions adapt to the needs of the occupants, making the space flexible and transformable.

privacy balances with open views by taking advantage of the land’s natural slope | image © JAG Studio

strategic placement maximizes unbuilt spaces and integrates the cabin with nature | image © JAG Studio

a skylight runs along the upper floor, providing natural light and views of Mindo | image © JAG Studio

the facade treatment varies between concealed and open | image © JAG Studio

the structure minimizes its environmental impact by preserving the terrain and plants | image © JAG Studio

the interior layout is flexible with moveable elements adapting to occupants’ needs | image © JAG Studio

project info:

name: El Hormiguero

architect: Estudio 2850 | @2850estudio, Janna Lasso Hadweh | Janna Lasso Hadweh

location: Mindo, Ecuador

built area: 25 square meters

completion: 2024

photography: © JAG Studio | @juanalbertoandrade.ec | © Isabel Delgado | @isabeldelgado.a

client: Añanku Cabins | @ananku_cabins

structure: Micra Taller | @micra.ec

engineering: Patricio Cevallos

collaborators: Blake De La Torre, Berenice Chicaiza

The post el hormiguero: estudio 2850’s A-frame cabin on stilts overlooks ecuadorean andes appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

The Yuyarina Pacha Community Library has been designed by Quito-based architecture firm Al Borde as a social and educational hub for Huaticocha, Ecuador. The timber structure, with its thatched rooftop, is located in within the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve ‘buffer zone,’ bringing a new learning space to the tropical region. Named for the Kichwa phrase meaning ‘Space-Time to Think,’ this innovative project by architecture studio Al Borde was designed to encourage learning and community connection. Set in the Ecuadorian Amazon, the library supports a holistic education model introduced by the local Laboratorio Creativo Sarawarmi and Witoca, a local coffee-focused agricultural association.

In 2019, local groups launched a small reading club for children, which quickly grew in popularity. The program soon expanded beyond reading to become a safe space for children to learn, play, and create. As demand increased, the need for a larger, multifunctional space became clear. In response, the community worked with Al Borde to create the Yuyarina Pacha Library, which now serves as both a library and a meeting space for the Huaticocha community.

images © JAG Studio

A Structure Rooted in Ancestral Materials and Techniques

The architects at Al Borde structure the Yuyarina Pacha Library across three levels, each with a distinct purpose. On the open ground floor, the community hosts hands-on workshops in art and science. Here, children and adults can work with water, food, and other materials. The space also functions as a gathering area for the agricultural association and other community events. The first floor holds the library’s book collection, offering open-shelf access that encourages young readers to explore. Additionally, this floor provides one of the largest community spaces in the building, making it ideal for meetings and group activities.

The second floor, meanwhile, focuses on digital learning and cultural preservation. Equipped with tablets and computers, this level enables children to access audio stories that preserve the community’s oral traditions. A balcony reading table connects visually with the first floor, fostering a strong sense of community.

the Yuyarina Pacha Community Library is hidden among the Ecuadorian Amazon

climate-Responsive Design with Organic Materials

The Yuyarina Pacha Library relies on Chonta, a durable Amazonian palm traditionally used in local architecture, for its core structure. Known for its resilience, Chonta wood can be embedded directly into the ground without waterproofing. The community incorporates local building techniques with the use of Chonta wood into a design that also meets contemporary needs.

Al Borde embraced the variability of natural materials like Chonta, designing the structure to accommodate slight irregularities. The library’s steeply pitched thatched roof adapts to the region’s heavy rainfall, and a glass skylight along the ridge provides natural lighting. This thoughtful feature not only illuminates the space but also simplifies construction and maintenance of the roof, which requires special attention in traditional thatched buildings.

Yuyarina Pacha reflects the strength and self-reliance of the Huaticocha community. Residents began hosting events at the library even before construction finished, underscoring their commitment to the project. By creating a space for learning, connection, and cultural preservation, Al Borde and the Huaticocha community have established a valuable resource that supports education and sustainable growth. In doing so, they demonstrate how rural communities can thrive and maintain their traditions, even with minimal support from outside institutions.

the name Yuyarina Pacha means ‘space-time to think’ in Kichwa

the library originated from a small reading club for children that quickly expanded

the building has three levels, each dedicated to different activities and learning needs

the ground floor is used for hands-on art and science workshops and community events

the first floor holds books and serves as a large community meeting area

the second floor is dedicated to digital learning and preserving local oral traditions

project info:

name: Yuyarina Pacha Biblioteca

architect: Al Borde | @albordearq

location: Huaticocha, Ecuador

photography: © JAG Studio | @juanalbertoandrade.ec

The post al borde employs ancestral techniques with yuyarina pacha library in ecuadorian amazon appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

High in the Ecuadorian Andes, hidden amidst the cloud forest of Papallacta, Napo Province, lies Guango Lodge. For over fifty years, the surrounding 300 hectares have been lovingly conserved by the same family. The lodge itself began in the 1960s with the vision of engineer and inventor who constructed a prototype house using local flagstone and a unique curved bamboo cane vault system — an example to his resourcefulness and respect for the environment. Thirty years later, the inventor’s brother built a more permanent residence using similar principles. This two-story structure, with its river stone walls and reinforced concrete vault, became the heart of Guango Lodge in 2001.

The Las Pajareras project, by architects Ignacio Muñoz Bustamante and Javier Mera Luna, marks a new chapter for Guango Lodge. Drawing inspiration from the existing stone structures, the new hotel project incorporates sustainable practices and reflects a strong connection to the surrounding nature.

images © JAG Studio

the vaulted architecture of ‘las pajareras’

Las Pajareras at Guango Lodge consists of three guest modules, each offering a flexible room layout, private bathroom, and a porch with stunning views of the Papallacta River. A future phase includes a communal area with a small outdoor hot pool and changing facilities. Due to an oil pipeline easement, construction was limited to a narrow strip of land along the ravine. The architects responded with a design that respects the surroundings. The three modules, with their slightly offset positioning, subtly integrate into the landscape.

Sustainability was a key consideration. The design team makes use of local materials and incorporates a wastewater treatment plant for the entire lodge. The innovative use of BIOM thermo-acoustic insulation, made from agricultural waste, further reduces the environmental footprint.

Guango Lodge has conserved 300 hectares, beginning with a prototype house built by Álvaro in the 1960s

the structure of wood and stone

The construction system employed by architects Ignacio Muñoz Bustamante and Javier Mera Luna is a unique blend of materials. Cyclopean concrete foundations support 60 centimeter-thick basaltic stone walls. These walls not only provide structural integrity and thermal insulation but also cleverly house furniture like fold-away beds and closets. A U-shaped reinforced concrete channel crowns the walls, cantilevering over the river. This channel serves multiple purposes — channeling rainwater back into the forest, providing a platform for easy leaf and debris removal, and anchoring the prefabricated wooden trusses that form the vaulted ceilings. The vaults themselves are composed of pine wood and plywood arches, with a layer of decorative plywood on the inside and black galvanized metal along the exterior.

in 2001 the lodge was expanded with a two-story structure using river stone walls

architects Ignacio Muñoz Bustamante and Javier Mera Luna expanded the project with Las Pajareras

Las Pajareras features three guest modules with flexible layouts, private bathrooms, and porches with river views

the design subtly integrates three offset modules into the landscape

sustainability is prioritized with local materials, a wastewater treatment plant, and BIOM thermo-acoustic insulation

vaulted ceilings are engineered with pine wood and plywood arches, with decorative plywood interiors

project info:

project title: Las Pajareras

architecture: Ignacio Muñoz Bustamante, Javier Mera Luna

location: Guango Lodge, Papallacta, Napo, Ecuador

completion: Hector Quilca, Josue Yanacallo, Xavier Navarrete, Diego Chaglla

completion: 2024

photography: © JAG Studio | @juanalbertoandrade.ec

The post las pajareras: a vaulted stone hotel designed for birdwatching in ecuador’s andes appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Along the volcanic crater of Quilotoa Lagoon in Ecuador, the indigenous town of Shalalá is working to promote sustainable tourism. Here, nature is celebrated, a philosophy shown through the community’s commitment to living in symbiosis with the environment — this extends to its architectural endeavors. A new project for the town, known as the Chaki Wasi handicrafts center, has been designed by architecture studio La Cabina De La Curiosidad to exemplify the spirit of the place and its cultural heritage.

Chaki Wasi, meaning to ‘house made of straw from floor to roof‘ in Kichwa, embodies the center’s core principle: representing Andean culture through traditional building techniques. The architects at La Cabina De La Curiosidad favored vernacular methods to create a timber and fiber structure that resonates with the past while catering to the present needs of the Shalalá community.

images © JAG Studio

la cabina de la curiosidad learns from ancestral methods

The foundation of Shalalá’s Chaki Wasi rests firmly on river stones, which symbolize the resilience of the land, as noted by the architects at La Cabina De La Curiosidad. Eucalyptus wood forms the skeleton, bound together with cabuya, a natural fiber derived from the penco plant. Large chaklla dowels, crafted from young eucalyptus, provide additional support. The construction relied solely on traditional tools — wooden mallets replaced nails, and repeated sequences of chakllas secured the joints. The entire structure is topped by an expansive thatched roof, which wraps the center protective and textural envelope.

This commitment to sustainable construction goes beyond using local materials. The project champions the concept of regenerative design. Waste is returned to the land, promoting a closed-loop system in harmony with nature. By embracing these principles, the Shalalá community ensures a positive carbon footprint, leaving a legacy for future generations.

Shalalá, an indigenous town along the volcanic crater of Quilotoa Lagoon

celebrating the andean way of life

The story behind Chaki Wasi’s construction is as remarkable as the building itself, as it was assembled through a partnership between La Cabina De La Curiosidad and the community itself. The project thrives on a strong sense of community, as leadership roles rotated weekly to lend a sense of shared ownership. Mingas, traditional communal work parties, brought together women, men, and young people. Wood and straw were procured through collaboration with neighboring communities, solidifying the social fabric of the region.

The entire structure was built by hand, relying on simple tools and collective strength. Ropes and a spirit of unity were instrumental in raising the structural modules. The laying of the thatch became a celebration of ancestral knowledge, each stage marked by rituals and customs that honor the Andean way of life.

the community’s new handicrafts center, Chaki Wasi, reflects its cultural heritage
local materials and traditional techniques were used in the construction
the center is built on a foundation of river stones with a eucalyptus wood frame

sustainability is a core principle, with waste returned to the land

community members played a vital role in the construction process

Mingas, traditional communal work parties, were held to build the center

project info:

project title: Chaki Wasi, Shalalá community handicrafts center

architecture: La Cabina De La Curiosidad

location: Shalalá Community Resort, Zumbahua, Pujilí, Cotopaxi, Ecuador

lead architects: Marie Combette, Daniel Moreno Flores

internship: Samuel Dano, Marianne Letessier

construction: Community of Shalalá, La Cabina de la Curiosidad

completion: 2024

photography: © JAG Studio | @juanalbertoandrade.ec

The post ecuador community builds thatched ‘chaki wasi’ handicrafts center along a crater appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Located in Tumbaco, Ecuador, the recently completed Ágape Productive Housing by RAMA Estudio is a unique mixed-use timber building that blends therapeutic workspaces with a private residence. Designed for Ágape Colectivo, a center for body and mind development founded by a yoga and therapeutic theater specialist, the project offers a sustainable and adaptable solution. The design prioritizes a car-free environment. A setback rammed earth enclosure creates a fully pedestrian space upon entering the site, enhancing security and allowing for natural landscaping to flourish within the property.

images © JAG Studio

the rammed-earth building and transparent facade

The heart of RAMA Estudio‘s Ágape Productive Housing is a new timber and rammed-earth building. Featuring a transparent and permeable facade, this structure opens onto a central courtyard to promote a sense of openness and calm. The ground floor is dedicated to public areas. A spacious multipurpose room caters to a variety of uses, including yoga, theater performances, and even concerts. A centrally located bathroom area caters to guests, while a dedicated therapeutic arts room provides a space for creative expression through sculpture and painting. Upstairs, a private apartment with a studio and balcony offers a haven for the founder of Ágape Colectivo.

Ágape Productive Housing in Ecuador blends work and living spaces

structure inspired by basket weaving

Designing the structure of its Ágape Productive Housing, the architects at RAMA Estudio employ an innovative take on traditional basket weaving. The main facade is comprised of a series of slender triangles built with laminated wood beams. These prefabricated elements are then assembled on-site and mounted on a metal strip foundation. This approach protects the underlying rammed earth walls and wood from moisture while allowing for outward views even when lying on the floor of the multipurpose room below.

designed for a yoga and therapeutic theater center, the project prioritizes a car-free environment

RAMA Estudio emphasizes the project’s commitment to accessible vernacular construction systems. The bahareque technique, a traditional earth construction method, is modernized through the use of mortar projection guns and compressors. This allows for efficient application of the earth mix while maintaining the artisanal character through hand-finished details. Local craftsmanship is further celebrated throughout the project. Artisans created special details and pieces, including metalwork like doorknobs and handles, ceramic and wooden sinks, carpentry elements, and even rice paper accents.

timber and earth construction with a transparent facade creates a connection to the central courtyard

The project prioritizes the well-being of its occupants. The choice of construction systems, materials, ventilation strategies, natural and artificial lighting, and even the building’s placement on the lot were all strategically considered to create a comfortable and functional environment. The breathable earth walls and strategically designed facade structure provide natural ventilation and shading, further enhancing user experience.

the ground floor features a multipurpose room, bathroom area, and a therapeutic arts room

upstairs, a private apartment offers a retreat for the founder

the building prioritizes user experience with natural ventilation and lighting

sustainable features include rainwater collection and a bio-digester for wastewater treatment

project info:

project title: Ágape Productive Housing

architecture: RAMA Estudio | @ramaestudioec

location: Tumbaco, Ecuador

lead architects: Carla Chávez, Carolina Rodas, Felipe Donoso

photography: © JAG Studio | @juanalbertoandrade.ec

The post RAMA estudio’s rammed-earth yoga studio is a wellness oasis in ecuador appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

In the heart of the Galápagos Islands, architect Diana Salvador has unveiled her latest residential project known as SULA. This cabin structure, named after the suliformes bird genus ‘piqueros,’ exemplifies the meeting of innovative construction and environmental responsibility. Salvador’s timber design had been prefabricated in Quito, Ecuador before its assembly on Santa Cruz Island. The architecture reflects a commitment to minimizing ecological impact while providing a comfortable living space for its client, a family who has resided on the Galápagos Islands for over four decades.

The core design principle behind SULA was to create a habitat that is sensitive and respectful to all stakeholders — the environment, the context, the occupants, and the design team. This holistic approach guided every decision throughout the project.

images © JAG Studio | @juanalbertoandrade.ec

the Sustainable Journey from Quito to the Galápagos

The Diana Salvador-designed SULA home was pre-fabricated over two months, featuring the integration of 17,000 screws and nearly 2,000 custom-made components crafted from wood, metal, aluminum, and glass. After assembly, it was transported in two trucks from Quito to the port of Guayaquil and further shipped in two containers to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, where it was assembled in just one month by a dedicated team of four individuals, with six itinerant experts in various fields. 

Taking a house in pieces from the mainland to an island is a bold statement of innovation, conveying a message about the imperative for change in our environmental consciousness. It signifies that construction can be undertaken without causing negative impacts, emphasizing the commitment to environmental responsibility and resource optimization in every stage of the process.

to minimize concrete use, gavions were employed as foundations

diana salvador promotes Scalability, Flexibility and Efficiency

One of the outstanding features of Diana Salvador’s SULA cabin is its scalability, transport flexibility, and adaptability to its surroundings. Industrialized construction processes were employed to maximize resource efficiency, allowing the architecture to travel to its destination. The project represents the second step in experimenting with prefabrication as a means to validate the hypothesis that a construction system can promote collective well-being while minimizing carbon footprint. It represents a radical shift in how the team approaches construction and the role women play in the architectural profession.

prefab components are designed like a large-scale LEGO set

SULA’s architecture marries function with interior comfort through bioclimatic strategies validated by dynamic thermal simulations. Elevating the structure enables the utilization of air currents to create a cold air chamber underneath, improving ventilation and energy efficiency. The walls and roof form a double-layered structure housing structural beams and ensuring effective interior airflow. Perforations in the floor and walls allow for cross-ventilation.

What’s more, the elevation of the structure allows for the potential disassembly for relocation, with its components designed like a large-scale LEGO set that can be transported and reinstalled in various environments with ease. To minimize concrete use, gavions were employed as foundations, designed to be easily dismantled and respectful of the soil — an example of the project’s commitment to nature.

the double-layered structure houses structural beams and ensures effective interior airflow

minimalistic and Eco-Friendly Materials

SULA relies on only five primary materials — wood, stone, metal, glass, and PVC, used in a pure and proportional manner to create an environmentally balanced structure. Each material was selected based on its efficiency and flexibility. Plywood emerges as the most representative material, utilized for the structure, interior walls, furniture, and ceiling. Precision in its format, coupled with mechanized cutting processes, ensures resource optimization. The roofs are constructed with PVC sheets, which also serve as waterproof umbrellas, enhancing the cabin’s resilience.

the home is built of wood, stone, metal, glass, and PVC

the design by Diana Salvador promotes collective well-being while minimizing carbon footprint

the core design principle was to create a habitat that is sensitive and respectful to its site

plywood makes up the structure, interior walls, furniture, and ceiling

project info:

project title: SULA

architecture: Diana Salvador | @diana_manzana_salvador

location: Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

bioclimatic consultant: Yess Innovation

structural consultant: Patricio Cevallos

collaborators: Carlos Burbano, Steven Sangucho

photography: © JAG Studio | @juanalbertoandrade.ec

The post prefabricated SULA cabin journeys from quito to its galápagos island site appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Ecuador-based JAG Studio photographs a timber intervention dubbed ‘501’ within Quito’s pixelated IQON tower, a residential project completed recently by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG). This interior space is designed by a team led by Juan Alberto Andrade with the aim of maximizing utility and creating adaptable spaces that allow for the fluid integration of different activities. The core concept behind the ‘501’ apartment is to prioritize the flexibility of useful space by introducing volumes that are both inhabitable and reconfigurable.

The architects have recognized that modern housing should be versatile, diverse, and capable of accommodating transformations over time. Embracing this concept, JAG Studio has designed a space that is neutral and configurable, offering a canvas for inhabitants to tailor the environment according to their needs.

images © JAG Studio | @juanalbertoandrade.ec

Juan Alberto Andrade transforms a bjarke ingels apartment

At the heart of the ‘501’ apartment in Bjarke Ingels’ Ecuador tower, Juan Alberto Andrade incorporates two containing pieces that allow for various activities within one harmonious place. These ‘Stations’ and ‘Substations’ provide distinct zones that cater to different functions. The Stations are identified as ‘a: room’ and ‘b: music studio,’ each serving as dedicated spaces for specific purposes. On the other hand, the Substations — labeled as a1, a2, a3, a4; b1, b2 — offer the flexibility to include diverse uses. This arrangement allows for a seamless transition from spaces designed for permanence and privacy to those that cater to professional activities.

integrated furniture solutions

The Ecuador-based architects integrate thoughtfully-crafted furniture solutions into the design of the ‘501’ apartment to make the most of the available space. The Stations include a pull-out bed system, offering an efficient way to optimize sleeping arrangements while freeing up floor area during the day. Additionally, a unit featuring a working table, seats, and multiple storage and shelving equipment crafted from laminated boards, green-tinted boards, and four-milimeter metal sheets brings practicality and elegance to the living space.

The beauty of the ‘501’ apartment lies in its adaptability to change and the range of possibilities it presents. By creating a space that can be reconfigured and tailored to the inhabitants’ needs, JAG Studio has successfully bridged the gap between contemporary dynamics and habitability in the bustling city of Quito, Ecuador.

the compact dwelling can be freed up with built-in, collapsable furniture
two ‘stations’ can each be transformed for different uses a keyboard is hidden away in the ‘music studio’ station

a pull-out bed is incorporated into the ‘room station’

a clean shelving system holds different possibilities within a single shape and material

bjarke ingels group’s sculptural structure shines along the interiors

project info:

project title: 501

architecture: Juan Alberto Andrade | @juanalbertoandrade.ec

location: Quito, Ecuador

design team: Cuqui Rodríguez, Victoria Peralta, Duda Rodríguez

wardrobe: Hera Studio

construction: Micra

photography: © JAG Studio | @juanalbertoandrade.ec

The post a reconfigurable apartment is built within bjarke ingels’ pixelated tower in ecuador appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Located in the picturesque Andes Mountains of Cotopaxi, Ecuador, lies ‘El Picadero,’ a newly completed project by Gabriel Rivera Arquitectos. Found within the agricultural neighborhood of Lasso, this project embraces its surroundings, defined by the cold climate, sandy soil, and dense Andean vegetation — eucalyptus trees have flourished in the area, adorning the landscape with their lush canopies. Set on a rectangular 5,000 square-meter lot, the brickwork project finds its place amidst the nature, with the property’s main house occupying its eastern border and an array of stables to the west. The luminous architecture has been photographed by JAG studio upon its completion.

images © JAG Studio | @jag_studio

gabriel rivera bridges a dwelling and its stables

With the design of El Picadero, Gabriel Rivera Arquitectos’ main goal was to create a space that would bridge the gap between the main house and the stables on site. This connective zone would consist of a jumping arena for horses, a service area, and a flexible space that could evolve over time, eventually transforming into four suites with a common area.

To fulfill this vision while considering the context and client’s needs, the architects embarked on a comprehensive site analysis. This analysis examined factors such as orientation, views encompassing the Cotopaxi volcano and Los Ilinizas, natural surroundings, access roads, existing structures, and topography.

learning from the rural site

Drawing upon the insights gained from the site analysis, Gabriel Rivera Arquitectos ensured that El Picadero would harmoniously integrate into its existing environment. The jumping track, designed for efficient training, was strategically positioned in the area with minimal vegetation, oriented north to south. The services and flexible recreation space were consolidated together into a single structure situated alongside the riding arena. This placement both captured picturesque views and worked to preserve the existing trees. Furthermore, the construction, with its longitudinal facades oriented toward the sunlight, skillfully separated itself from the natural topography to help drain water and humidity during heavy rainfall.

the sustainable construction

The construction of El Picadero took one year to reach its completion. The main structure, constructed with modular steel, elegantly rests upon reinforced concrete plinths. The floor slab incorporates a radiant heating system, ensuring a comfortable and warm atmosphere within. To enhance the aesthetic appeal, the interiors show a eucalyptus wood ceiling, installed over a steel substructure finished with clay tiles on its exterior surface.

The eastern facade is made up of local brick surfaces and laminated glass panels, and faces the jumping ring backdropped by views of the Cotopaxi volcano. Meanwhile, the laminated glass of the western facade is shaded by a wooden brise-soleil, to ensure comfortable interiors on sunny days. This facade welcomes the afternoon sun while opening out to a sweeping vista of the Ilinizas Mountains.

the structure includes fully enclosed interiors and a shaded garden ‘El Picadero’ connects and bridges a home and its stables on site

the architecture is designed in celebration of its agricultural context

the flexible programming integrates services for a communal lounge

vertical timber slats filter direct sunlight along the western facade

project info:

project title: El Picadero

architecture: Gabriel Rivera Arquitectos | @grarquitectos

location: Lasso, Tanicuchí, Cotopaxi, Ecuador

completion: 2022

lead architect: Gabriel Rivera

design team: Jaime Rivera, Belén Andrade, Diego Rivera, Danilo Yambay, Francisco Balarezo

collaborator: Margarita Quispe

photography: © JAG Studio | @jag_studio

The post luminous ‘el picadero’ by gabriel rivera arquitectos elevates a horse farm in ecuador appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.