la miradora house by taller general opens to volcano views in machachi, ecuador

Taller General, an Ecuador-based architectural studio, has completed La Miradora, a residential project situated in the rural landscape of Machachi. The house is located at an altitude of 3,403 meters above sea level within the Páramo ecosystem, a tropical wetland region in the Andes. Its strategic positioning along the highest point of an elongated plot allows the dwelling to provide expansive views of a steep ravine, with a backdrop of meadows and distant volcanoes. The design of La Miradora is meticulously integrated with the land's natural slope, allowing for a two-level interior organization. The upper floor accommodates the main living areas for the primary residents, featuring wide windows that optimize natural light and ventilation. A loft on this level offers framed views of the surrounding volcanoes to the north and south. The lower level, designed to be smaller due to the terrain, provides additional rooms and service areas for visiting family members, ensuring functionality without compromising the house's compact appearance on the slope. The architects at Taller General prioritized both communal gathering spaces and individual privacy in the layout of La Miradora. The dwelling encourages interaction while offering secluded areas for residents and guests. Outdoor circulation is thoughtfully incorporated through a covered ramp that runs along one side of the house. This ramp provides direct exterior access to the main level and acts as a sheltered pathway, mediating between the interior and the outdoor environment, and offering a series of framed views of the Páramo landscape. Ecological performance was a key consideration in the design. La Miradora utilizes solar panels for electricity, and a sophisticated grey and black water treatment system. This system includes grease traps, a biodigester, and a wetland, ensuring that all water is treated before being released back into the ground. This closed-loop system mirrors the natural water cycle of the Páramo, emphasizing the project's commitment to environmental sustainability and minimizing its impact on the fragile ecosystem. The construction also minimizes waste by leaving materials exposed, such as wood, brick, and metal, thereby eliminating the need for additional coatings or plasters. This approach highlights the structural honesty of the building and reduces material consumption. The house's structure is characterized by an array of ten wooden ribs, spaced 2.44 meters apart. Each rib consists of four inclined elements that converge upwards, forming protective eaves and supporting the upper level. On the north side, these ribs rest on a brick base that conforms to the slope, while on the south side, they extend into durable metal members designed to withstand environmental elements and adapt to the terrain's gradient. This adaptable structural system allows for variations in rhythm to accommodate specific spatial requirements, such as the loft, and to maximize outward views. The combination of wood, brick, and metal creates a balanced aesthetic that conveys both shelter and exposure, durability and lightness. The extensive roofline and eaves offer protection to the timber and regulate sunlight penetration into the interior spaces, enhancing comfort and energy efficiency. Local craftsmen were integral to the project, contributing their skills in wood, metal, ceramics, and textiles for integrated lamps, furniture, and partitions, which further enrich the material expression of the house. #ResidentialArchitecture #EcuadorianArchitecture #SustainableDesign #PáramoEcosystem #VolcanoViews #NaturalMaterials #EcoFriendlyHome #Machachi #TallerGeneral #ResidentialArchitecture #EcuadorianArchitecture #SustainableDesign #PáramoEcosystem #VolcanoViews #NaturalMaterials #EcoFriendlyHome #Machachi #TallerGeneral