Casa Toquilla weaves a safe haven in the vernacular architecture of Ecuador

Ese Colectivo undertook the rehabilitation and expansion of Guabo House, a former social housing dwelling located in Yaruquí, east of Quito, Ecuador. The original structure, a modest 25 sqm, featured two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a social area. The project's primary goal was to enhance the dwelling's spatial quality and establish a stronger connection with the surrounding garden. The expansion meticulously integrates traditional Andean construction techniques and locally sourced materials. Bahareque walls and eucalyptus wood were chosen for their authenticity and suitability. The extension seamlessly matches the original dwelling's width and preserves the existing roof's slope, demonstrating a sensitive approach to integrating new elements with the established structure. Furthermore, the design prioritized the preservation of the garden's vegetation, ensuring minimal disruption to the natural environment. A key design element is the creation of a minimal internal courtyard, strategically placed around an existing Guabo tree. This courtyard acts as a vital transitional space, clearly demarcating the private and social zones within the home, thereby improving flow and functionality. The construction employs a robust eucalyptus wood structure, complemented by bahareque walls that define all openings, including windows and entrances, contributing to a cohesive aesthetic. The new roof design respects the original slope while incorporating a subtle offset. This innovative approach allows for abundant natural light to penetrate the interior spaces. The offset also plays a crucial role in organizing the internal layout, creating distinct areas for the kitchen and a dedicated study space. A lightweight sandwich roof system was implemented to minimize structural load on the eucalyptus framework, and it extends outwards gracefully to form a welcoming front porch, further blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. Ese Colectivo's design team reconfigured the internal layout of the existing structure to maximize comfort and spaciousness within the private areas. The single original bathroom was ingeniously transformed into two complete bathrooms, significantly improving the dwelling's functionality. This was achieved while preserving a substantial portion of the original perimeter walls, roof, and subfloor, highlighting the project's commitment to sustainable renovation. The final architectural composition presents an elongated volume where the original and expanded sections coexist harmoniously. The interior design cleverly contrasts the pristine white surfaces of the original dwelling with the warm, earthy tones of the newly expanded social area. The extensive use of earth walls, eucalyptus structures, and wooden finishes contributes to an inviting and airy ambiance throughout the Guabo House, embodying a blend of tradition and modern functionality. #GuaboHouse #EseColectivo #EcuadorianArchitecture #EucalyptusWood #BaharequeWalls #RenovationArchitecture #SustainableDesign #InternalCourtyard #ResidentialArchitecture

Arkitito Arquitetura has developed Toca House, a unique house studio situated in São Paulo, Brazil. This project was conceptualized and designed by its residents, an architect and a visual artist, representing a synergy of architecture, engineering, and art. The Toca House seamlessly integrates residential living with specialized creative spaces, including an art studio and a music studio. Additionally, it features an area designated for social gatherings and receptions, reflecting the diverse lifestyle of its inhabitants. These various functions are distributed across three floors, optimizing the use of space and catering to both professional and personal needs. The architectural design positions the main volume of the house in the center of a heavily wooded plot. This location is within Vila Madalena, a bohemian neighborhood in São Paulo renowned for its vibrant cultural scene. The choice of this neighborhood further emphasizes the artistic and cultural inclinations of the homeowners. The design process itself was a collaborative effort, combining the architectural expertise of one resident with the artistic vision of the other, resulting in a dwelling that is both functional and aesthetically rich. The inclusion of an art studio within the residence provides a dedicated space for creative work, allowing the visual artist resident to pursue their craft without leaving home. Similarly, the music studio caters to the auditory arts, offering a sound-isolated environment for musical creation and practice. The design accounts for the specific requirements of these artistic disciplines, ensuring appropriate lighting, spatial organization, and acoustic considerations. Beyond its creative functions, the Toca House is also designed for social engagement. The designated reception area is intended for hosting friends and family, promoting a lively social environment. This integration of work and social life within a single dwelling highlights a contemporary approach to residential design, where the home serves multiple roles beyond just shelter. The three-story layout not only accommodates these diverse functions but also provides opportunities for varied spatial experiences and views of the surrounding natural environment. This project has been recognized for its innovative design and was longlisted in the 'house (urban)' category of the Dezeen Awards 2024. This acknowledgment from a prestigious design award further validates the architectural and artistic merit of Toca House. The collaboration between Arkitito Arquitetura and the resident-designers resulted in a bespoke home that perfectly encapsulates their unique lifestyle and professional requirements, making it a notable example of contemporary urban housing. #TocaHouse #ArkititoArquitetura #UrbanHouse #ResidentialArchitecture #HouseStudio #SaoPaulo #VilaMadalena #DezeenAwards

Di Frenna arquitectos designed Espacio Kaab, a residential project situated adjacent to the historic Nogueras hacienda in Colima, Mexico. This hacienda, initially a sugar production site in the early 1700s, later became associated with the family of internationally acclaimed artist Alejandro Rangel Hidalgo in the 1940s and continues to be a significant landmark within the community. The architectural design of Espacio Kaab thoughtfully addresses its historical context, providing views towards the hacienda as a nod to its location and integrating design elements influenced by the property's rich past. Faced with the challenge of building in an area steeped in history, cultural significance, and architectural heritage, Di Frenna arquitectos embraced the site's unique characteristics. The design of Espacio Kaab consciously interacts with the hacienda, framing specific vistas towards the historical grounds. The project also incorporates more tangible references to the hacienda's influence, utilizing ancient construction techniques and materials originally employed in the complex. This approach fostered community involvement in Comala, leveraging ancestral knowledge in crafts developed by Rangel himself, such as ironwork and woven reed ceilings, which infuse the residence with a distinct identity. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by the captivating natural environment, characterized by arid vegetation, cacti, stones, and earthy tones, creating a sense of immersion and contrast with the region's typically vibrant flora. The architectural layout was developed organically with the landscape, offering a spatial solution that responded to the terrain's specific requirements and nuances. The guiding principles throughout the design process were to respect the topography, adapt to the setting, and achieve harmony with the environment, resulting in a home that feels seamlessly integrated into its natural surroundings. The project blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces through strategically placed patios, terraces, contained gardens, and unique views of the river and canyon. The core design concept aimed to create an environment where the boundaries between interior and exterior dissolve, allowing the natural colors and textures of the surroundings to blend with the building's palette. This is exemplified by the seamless transition from indoor to outdoor, enabling occupants to walk barefoot across natural stone floors without a perceptible change in environment. To achieve this, the architects employed a primary palette of raw, natural tones. Materials were often sourced locally from Comala, notably the rammed earth used for walls. Other distinctive finishes, such as the eggshell-colored chukum stucco, reflect ancient Mexican construction techniques. The incorporation of local palm wood, river stone, woven carrizo ceilings, and artisanal blacksmithing further reinforces the connection to the land and the local craftsmanship championed by Rangel. While honoring these traditional elements, the design also introduces modern techniques and innovative structural solutions, bridging historical crafts with contemporary architectural practices. Espacio Kaab is a collaborative effort, with Matia Di Frenna Müller and Mariana de la Mora Padilla leading the project team. The residence serves as a testament to integrating historical context, local craftsmanship, and environmental sensitivity within a modern dwelling. It demonstrates how traditional materials and building methods, combined with innovative design, can create a home that is both deeply rooted in its place and forward-thinking in its approach to sustainable and harmonious living. #MexicanArchitecture #RammedEarth #Chukum #LocalMaterials #HaciendaDesign #SustainableArchitecture #DiFrennaArquitectos #ColimaMexico #ResidentialArchitecture