IWI housing module unfolds like an accordion for flexible living in ecuador

Andes House, located in Puembo, a rural area on the outskirts of Quito, Ecuador, is a private residence designed by Correa+Fatehi | ODD. Completed in 2021, the project redefines the relationship between architecture, landscape, and materials. The design emphasizes integration with its environment, utilizing locally sourced materials and drawing inspiration from the Andean topography. The house's construction prominently features materials derived directly from its site. Excavated earth is compacted to form rammed earth walls and cast into custom adobe bricks. This choice of material not only grounds the structure physically but also provides functional benefits, such as regulating indoor temperature and light. The breathable, ventilated façade casts dynamic shadows throughout the day and emits a soft glow at night, transforming the otherwise monolithic structure into an atmospheric presence. The architectural strategy for Andes House incorporates a landscape design that mirrors the surrounding highland wilderness. The residence appears to rise from sculpted mounds of native vegetation, creating a seamless transition between built and natural environments. Access to the house is integrated into these sculpted mounds, with pathways reminiscent of the Chaquiñán, the ancestral Andean trails, guiding visitors through a sequence of spaces that gradually reveal the structure. This processional approach culminates in a sunken threshold, initiating an immersive sectional experience within the house. From an exterior perspective, Andes House presents itself as a compact, vertical monolith, appearing discreet and firmly rooted in its location. Internally, the design focuses on spatial flexibility and dynamic organization across three levels. A key feature is a mobile platform that traverses all floors, serving not merely as a circulation element but as a mechanism to adapt the living spaces. This mobility allows various programs within the house to shift, merge, and reconfigure, accommodating changing needs and uses over time. The second level of the house extends outward into a plateau featuring both an interior pool and an exterior garden. Operable glazing divides these two spaces, enabling them to merge and unite the interior living area with the external landscape. This design choice further blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments, enhancing the connection to nature. Correa+Fatehi | ODD, the architectural studio behind Andes House, was founded by Lucas Correa and co-directed with Parshan Fatehi. The firm, established in 2015, operates from Quito, Ecuador, and is expanding to Toronto, Canada. Their work is recognized for spatial clarity, material intelligence, and an approach described as adaptive grounding, which treats each project as a system influenced by its context, materials, and long-term functionality. Their portfolio includes residential, hospitality, and urban design projects, all aiming to produce architecture that is both rooted in its environment and forward-looking in its design principles. Andes House exemplifies this philosophy, showcasing an architecture that is deeply attuned to its site's contours and conditions, resulting in a dwelling characterized by quiet intentionality and environmental sensitivity. #AndesHouse #EcuadorArchitecture #SustainableDesign #RammedEarth #ModernResidence #CorreaFatehi #ArchitecturalInnovation #ContextualArchitecture #SouthAmericanArchitecture

Escape, a tiny home builder founded in 2014, has roots tracing back to Canoe Bay in northwest Wisconsin. Company founder Dan Dobrowolski initially transformed a 1960s summer lodge into a resort with cottages in 1991. Two decades later, he collaborated with architects John Rattenbury and Kelly Davis to develop smaller, portable versions of these cottages. Over the past ten years, Escape has expanded its offerings to 11 distinct tiny home models and has even established a tiny home village in Tampa Bay, Florida. One notable project highlighted is Escape's collaboration with Ikea, which resulted in the design and construction of the 187-square-foot Escape Vista Boho XL. This model emphasizes sustainability, affordability, and innovation, featuring Ikea furniture and energy-efficient appliances. Its interiors are whitewashed pine, kitchens include cupboards made from recycled bottle tops, and it integrates built-in storage and collapsible furniture. The Vista Boho XL also boasts a metal roof with solar panels and an on-demand RV water heater, providing off-grid capabilities. The base model, the Escape Vista Boho, starts at $49,877. It weighs 8,500 pounds and measures 187 square feet. Standard features include Low-E Thermopane windows, a metal roof, sustainably-grown birch interiors, light-filtering honeycomb shades, LED lighting, a 16-gallon liquid propane water heater, and a liquid propane furnace. The kitchen is equipped with maple cabinetry, butcher block counters, an under-counter refrigerator, and a stainless steel sink. The design also incorporates a butcher block fold-down multiuse table, a 36-inch bathroom shower, a Toto toilet, and a fold-flat living room couch with TV hook-ups, a large work area, a queen bed with a bookshelf, and under-bed storage. Escape distinguishes its prefab homes through superior design and craftsmanship, noting that SALA Architects, an award-winning firm, designs the units. The homes are handcrafted in the company's inspection factory in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, emphasizing human-scale comfort and unique RV features. Escape homes are available nationwide, with thousands of units already distributed across the U.S., including Hawaii. The company typically has models in stock or production for immediate purchase. The typical build time for an Escape tiny home ranges from 60 to 130 days, depending on the chosen model and options. Clients can customize various aspects, including countertops, washer/dryer combos, electric fireplaces, and Smart TVs. Larger models offer options for an additional upper bedroom or attic, as well as solar power installations. All customizations adhere to RV Industry Association codes and mandates. For installation, while permits are often not required for RV parks, customers are responsible for site preparation, ensuring a level and firm surface, and having utility hook-ups ready. Escape's tiny homes are designed for single drops for power, water, and sewer, similar to standard RVs. Many models, excluding the Classic and Traveler, can be fully electric and can be modified for off-grid living with solar panels and specialized water and waste systems. #TinyHomes #PrefabHomes #SustainableLiving #IkeaCollaboration #OffGridLiving #ModularHomes #CustomizableHomes #RVLiving #HousingInnovation

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

Co-living has witnessed a significant surge in East Asia since 2020, establishing itself as a rapidly expanding, albeit still nascent, sector addressing the housing demands of young professionals in major urban centers. A 2020 study by JLL emphasized the escalating need for co-living solutions in China and Singapore, attributing its appeal to enhanced affordability compared to private studio apartments and a modern urban lifestyle that champions openness and communal experiences. This trend mirrors broader industry shifts where access and flexibility are prioritized over ownership, similar to streaming services and shared mobility solutions. Unlike co-living models in Spain, which often cater to multi-generational demographics, East Asian co-living predominantly targets young professionals with dynamic careers. These individuals, who frequently face relocation requirements, find the convenience and adaptability of co-living spaces highly appealing, negating the impracticality of long-term residential commitments. Co-living environments offer fully furnished accommodations, professional management, and hygiene services, aligning perfectly with fast-paced urban lifestyles that blend active professional networking with personal downtime. The article showcases five notable co-living projects across East Asia that embody this evolving residential typology. The Episode Suyu 838 Co-Living Complex, developed by Collective B in Seoul, South Korea, stands out with its community-centric design featuring a central courtyard for social interaction, various shared amenities like a gym, library, and laundry room, and flexible lease terms to accommodate transient professionals. Its design prioritizes natural light, ventilation, and a balance between private and communal spaces. In Beijing, China, the Co-Living Home project by Yuan Architects reimagines a traditional courtyard house into a contemporary co-living space, preserving historical elements while integrating modern facilities. It offers private rooms and shared areas such as kitchens, dining rooms, and a courtyard, fostering a sense of community among residents. The Canvas House for co-living in Singapore, designed by Ministry of Design, exemplifies luxury co-living with high-end furnishings, bespoke services, and a strong emphasis on privacy alongside shared lounges, a swimming pool, and a rooftop garden. Its design blends sophisticated aesthetics with functional spaces. Taihang Village Co-living Space, located in a rural area outside Beijing and designed by f.i.t., offers a unique co-living experience that combines urban amenities with the tranquility of nature. This project targets professionals seeking a retreat from city life, providing shared workspaces, recreational facilities, and organic farming initiatives. Lastly, THE FLATS in Seoul, developed by COM, represents a hybrid model that integrates co-living with co-working spaces, appealing to entrepreneurs and digital nomads. It features modern architectural design, flexible unit layouts, and a variety of shared amenities, including meeting rooms, a cafe, and event spaces. These projects highlight how co-living in East Asia is evolving to meet diverse needs, offering innovative solutions to urban living challenges. They emphasize community building, flexibility, and a high quality of life, catering specifically to the preferences of young professionals navigating demanding career landscapes. The architectural designs prioritize both private comfort and vibrant communal experiences, reflecting a thoughtful approach to modern urban housing. The increasing popularity of these spaces indicates a growing acceptance and demand for flexible, amenity-rich living options that support a dynamic lifestyle in East Asian cities. #CoLiving #EastAsia #YoungProfessionals #FlexibleLiving #ResidentialArchitecture #Urbanization #CommunityLiving #RealEstateTrends #ArchitecturalDesign

Traditional housing stock, largely designed and built for past centuries, is increasingly proving inadequate for the complexities of 21st-century living, leading to issues of discrimination, exclusion, and unaffordability. The current housing paradigm often fails to address the unique challenges of modern life, characterized by economic and social uncertainties. These uncertainties include limited opportunities for stable, long-term employment, the implications of an aging population, and the prevalence of relationship separations like divorce. Such factors can drastically alter an individual's or household's housing needs. The concept of a 'risk society,' as defined by sociologist Ulrich Beck, highlights how individuals and households are constantly navigating the risks and opportunities of a rapidly changing socio-economic environment. This societal shift is incompatible with rigid housing models, particularly the traditional commitment to 30-year bank loans for fixed assets like houses. Existing housing types, from apartments to detached dwellings, lack the necessary flexibility to adapt to these fluid life circumstances. Consequently, there is a pressing need for housing solutions that are more adaptable and can accommodate the inherent risks of contemporary life. The growing popularity of the Tiny House Movement exemplifies a demand for flexible housing. Tiny houses offer mobility, ease of storage, and are more liquid assets compared to conventional homes, aligning with the need for adaptability. However, tiny living is not a universal solution. Design-led approaches to flexible housing are emerging that do not necessitate compact living arrangements. Two prominent examples from Brisbane, Australia, illustrate these innovative solutions: One Room Tower and Two Pavilion House. One Room Tower, located in West End and designed by Phorm architecture + design with Silvia Micheli and Antony Moulis, is an addition to an existing inner-city house. Rather than a traditional extension, it is a detached pavilion featuring an open layout that can be repurposed for various needs, offering significant flexibility to its inhabitants. This design received a Queensland Architecture Award. Two Pavilion House in Clayfield, co-designed by Kirsty Volz and David Toussaint, splits the dwelling into two distinct pavilions connected by a communal outdoor space and an internal courtyard. This configuration allows for multiple occupancy modes: it can function as a single three-bedroom home or as a two-bedroom house with an independent bedsit. This flexibility supports multi-generational living, provides potential rental income, or accommodates home offices and secondary living areas. Both houses, while offering flexible living arrangements, adhere to building regulations. Achieving such flexibility requires meticulous design consideration, focusing on access sequences, room adjacencies to ensure privacy, security, and fire safety, and the strategic provision of services like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries, some of which can be shared. These examples demonstrate that flexible housing is not merely about room layouts but about a holistic design process. Beyond design innovations, a regulatory rethink is essential. While solutions like granny flats address the need for multi-generational housing, some existing options fail to meet building regulations, raising concerns about health, safety, fire separation, and security. There is a clear demand for carefully designed, purpose-built dwellings that can safely support diverse and varied occupancies. Local authorities need to re-evaluate current regulations to better align with the demand for flexible and adaptable accommodation. Embracing flexible, 'loose-fit' housing can introduce greater diversity in accommodation options, fostering inclusivity for a broader spectrum of society. Ultimately, flexible housing serves as a design-led strategy to address housing affordability by ensuring homes are responsive to the evolving needs of 21st-century individuals, moving beyond market-driven metrics of bedrooms and bathrooms. #FlexibleHousing #HousingDesign #TwentyFirstCenturyLiving #ArchitecturalInnovation #UrbanPlanning #HousingAffordability #RiskSociety #TinyHouseMovement #MultiGenerationalLiving

Flexibility is an increasingly crucial aspect of contemporary house design, a concept that was central to the 'My Ideal House' competition, which emphasized future-proofing and adaptability. Families today seek homes that can accommodate their evolving needs and living preferences across different life stages. This article showcases five homes previously featured in 'Australian House & Garden' that embody this principle, presenting various ingenious flexible layouts. The first example is a Brisbane inner-east home designed for Louise and Matt. This pavilion-style residence fosters both independence and connectedness. Despite high visibility between the pavilions, the outdoor spaces separating them create distinct areas. This design allows parents to easily supervise children in different parts of the house, maintaining a sense of connection while providing individual spaces for work and play. Next, Carlo and Christine's inner-west Sydney home demonstrates how flexibility can maintain calm and order in a busy family environment. With two young children and demanding careers, efficient storage solutions are key to a clutter-free interior. A standout feature is a set of sliding doors next to the kitchen/dining area, which conceals a multipurpose room. This allows for quick tidying, as toys can be swiftly moved out of sight by simply closing the doors, contributing to a more organized living space. Emma and Bruce's dazzling duplex overhaul in Sydney's east provides another illustration of adaptable design. The family primarily uses an informal living area added at the rear of the house. The kitchen offers a full view of the backyard, enabling parents to watch their children in the pool. The new extension combines style with practicality, featuring a concrete floor, minimized sharp edges, and durable timber veneer, making it both elegant and child-friendly. Jason and Anna's Brisbane north Queenslander blends traditional and modern design. The front of the house contains spacious bedrooms for their two sons and frequent guests, while a new rear addition maximizes views and takes advantage of coastal breezes and seasonal changes. Living and dining areas can be reconfigured to prioritize access to the fireplace or the garden. The original wraparound verandahs offer separate relaxation zones for adults and children, enhancing the home's flexibility. Finally, John and Vanessa's inner-south Melbourne home focuses on integrating with the garden and providing distinct areas for different activities. Their goal was a contemporary family home that embraced the outdoors and included a separate space for Vanessa's business. The original slate roof's pitch allowed for the addition of a first-floor living room above a new bedroom section. This design ensures that each family member has their own space, yet common areas like the kitchen bench remain central for family gatherings. These homes collectively demonstrate diverse approaches to achieving flexibility, future-proofing, and adaptability in residential design, catering to the varied needs of modern families. #FlexibleHomes #ResidentialDesign #HomeLayouts #FamilyLiving #ArchitecturalInnovation #InteriorDesign #HomeAdaptability

The MIMA Light is a modular, prefabricated house concept that offers a quick and adaptable housing solution. Designed by MIMA architects, the units can be delivered, produced, and installed within 22 weeks from a personalized design. The fundamental design remains consistent, allowing for adaptation to diverse local conditions, including various foundation solutions such as concrete floor slabs, bearing plates, or specialized wooden underpinnings. The rapid construction process is attributed to its reliance on wooden prefabricated modules, which are transported to the building site and assembled efficiently. The aesthetic of the MIMA Light is influenced by various artists, resulting in a sculptural, cuboidal structure that appears to hover above the ground. This illusion is achieved through a mirrored plinth, which also adds a sophisticated touch. Clients can personalize the exterior with a choice of high-end metal coatings or simple color finishes. The house is constructed from individual modules, each up to 1.2 meters in length and with a fixed height and width of 3 meters. These modules can be combined to create structures ranging from 7 to 11 meters in total length, offering floor spaces between 21 and nearly 33 square meters. The modules are distinctly visible on the exterior, resembling chain links, and the house features a flat roof with interior drainage gutters, contributing to its pure geometric form. Inside, the design maintains a restrained aesthetic, with walls and floors made from multiplex plywood boards, providing a grounded and innovative feel. Large glazed panes on the end walls allow ample natural light, creating a friendly ambiance, and some side modules are also available with glass. For locations with extreme weather conditions, the glazing can be specified with increased thickness and enhanced UV protection. The design prioritizes energy efficiency, with solar panels providing electricity for the electric boiler, ensuring a sustainable hot water supply. The interior layout is flexible, centered around a compact kitchen and bathroom unit that can be positioned either centrally or at one end of the structure. This placement influences the configuration of the living and sleeping areas, maximizing utility within the small footprint. The MIMA Light concept introduces new possibilities in both the tourism sector and the holiday home market due to its affordability, with prices ranging from 20,000 to 40,000 euros, making it accessible to a broader range of buyers. #FlexibleLiving #PrefabricatedHomes #ModularArchitecture #SustainableDesign #SmallHomes #ArchitecturalDesign #HolidayHomes

Quinta Fachada, an architecture studio based in Ibarra, Ecuador, has developed 'Taller Atemporal,' a multifunctional 18-square-meter space designed to serve as a coworking area, showroom, project workshop, and architectural office. The project emphasizes sustainable design and construction practices, focusing on minimizing environmental impact and optimizing resource use within the specific climatic conditions of Ecuador. The primary structural material chosen for Taller Atemporal is laminated wood, selected for its low environmental footprint, durability, and energy efficiency. This wood is responsibly sourced from certified forests, aligning with the studio's commitment to sustainability. The use of prefabricated wooden components significantly reduces the construction duration, contributing to overall efficiency and minimizing on-site waste. This approach not only speeds up the building process but also ensures a high level of precision and quality in the construction. To enhance the building's thermal and acoustic performance, polycarbonate and rice straws are incorporated into the facade design. These materials provide effective insulation, protecting the interior from noise and adverse weather conditions while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic. The thoughtful selection of these materials contributes to the energy efficiency of the structure, reducing the need for artificial heating or cooling. Internally, the space features low-maintenance OSB (Oriented Strand Board) panels, which are then coated with microcement. This combination offers both durability and a refined finish, suitable for a professional and versatile environment. A key design element is the large tempered glass facade, which opens the interior to the surrounding landscape. This integration of glass allows abundant natural light to penetrate the space, enhancing the visual connection with the outdoors and reducing reliance on artificial lighting during the day. Quinta Fachada's design for Taller Atemporal adopts a holistic approach to sustainability. The single, open-plan layout is adaptable, allowing for flexible use across its various functions—coworking, showroom, workshop, and office. The roof is not merely a protective element but acts as a significant structural and symbolic feature, contributing to the overall aesthetic and functional integrity of the building. This open design, combined with strategic solar orientation, ensures optimal thermal comfort without compromising energy efficiency. The natural light that floods the space further shapes the interior experience, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere conducive to productivity and creativity. The project underscores Quinta Fachada’s dedication to innovative, environmentally conscious architecture that responds effectively to its local context. By prioritizing sustainable materials, prefabrication techniques, and passive design strategies, Taller Atemporal serves as a practical example of how small-scale architectural interventions can achieve high standards of environmental responsibility and functional versatility. #prefabricatedWood #multifunctionalSpace #sustainableArchitecture #QuintaFachada #EcuadorianArchitecture #lowEnvironmentalFootprint #coworkingSpace #laminatedWood #OSBpanels

The article highlights the critical need for Universal Design in American homes, emphasizing that contemporary housing largely fails to accommodate the diverse needs and abilities of its residents. It centers on the story of Rosemarie Rossetti, whose life-altering spinal cord injury in 1998 rendered her previous home largely inaccessible. This personal experience spurred her and her husband, Mark Leder, to embark on a journey to create a home that epitomizes Universal Design principles, which advocate for environments and products accessible to all, irrespective of age, size, or ability. Rossetti's challenges post-injury underscore the shortcomings of conventional home design. Simple tasks became formidable obstacles, revealing how standard layouts and features—like narrow doorways, thick carpets, and high counters—create significant barriers for individuals with mobility issues. Her basement office, previously central to her publishing business, became unusable, ultimately leading to the closure of her company. This realization fueled her determination to design a home that would support her evolving lifestyle and serve as a model for others. After an unsuccessful search for existing accessible homes, Rossetti and Leder decided to build their own custom residence, the Universal Design Living Laboratory (UDLL), in Columbus, Ohio. They collaborated with local architect Patrick Manley and extensively researched accessible home design, drawing inspiration from independent-living centers and literature on Universal Design. This approach provided them with hope, demonstrating that thoughtful design could address their needs without compromising aesthetics or functionality. The UDLL, completed in 2014, is a LEED Silver-certified national demonstration home that incorporates numerous Universal Design features, such as 36-inch wide doorways, tiered countertops, curbless showers, and elevated dishwashers. These elements are designed to accommodate both Rossetti, who uses a wheelchair, and Leder, who is over six feet tall, proving that Universal Design can cater to a wide range of physical characteristics. The UDLL serves as a living resource, educating visitors on the practicality and aesthetics of Universal Design. Rossetti actively advocates for its wider adoption, dispelling the misconception that accessible design looks institutional. She emphasizes that Universal Design benefits everyone, not just those with disabilities, by promoting safety, convenience, and independence for all family members, from children to seniors. The article connects Rossetti's personal initiative to broader discussions about inclusive design, referencing exhibitions like "Access + Ability" at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, and "Without Walls: Disability and Innovation in Design" at the Victoria & Albert Museum. Furthermore, the piece highlights a National Building Museum exhibition, "Making Room: Housing for a Changing America," which showcases how American households have diversified significantly over the past six decades. The exhibition argues that housing design has lagged in adapting to these demographic shifts, with nuclear families no longer being the dominant household type. The rise of single-adult households, couples without children, and multi-generational living arrangements underscores the increasing demand for flexible and adaptable housing solutions. Universal Design is presented as a crucial strategy to meet the needs of this diverse population, offering adaptable living spaces that can evolve with residents' changing circumstances. Rosemarie Rossetti’s efforts, including her self-published "The Universal Design Toolkit" and her consultations with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, exemplify a commitment to fundamentally rethinking home design to be inclusive and forward-thinking, urging designers and builders to integrate these principles from the outset. #UniversalDesign #AccessibleHomes #HomeAdaptation #InclusiveDesign #DisabilityAccess #ResidentialArchitecture #AgingInPlace #HousingInnovation #DesignForAll

The article explores Casa Toquilla, a project by Ecuador-based Rama Estudio, which aims to revive vernacular architecture and local construction techniques in the aftermath of a devastating 2016 earthquake. The initiative addresses the displacement of 80 families from the island of Portete in the Province of Esmeralda, who, upon moving to the mainland, lost their connection to traditional building methods, local materials like bamboo, wood, toquilla straw, and kade, and a sense of ownership over their homes. These endemic materials had been stigmatized as low-quality alternatives to modern materials such as zinc plates, blocks, and concrete. Rama Estudio collaborated with the Portete community to develop Casa Toquilla, emphasizing responsible, respectful, and responsive architectural intervention. The project involved an extensive process of understanding site safety concerns, evaluating traditional construction techniques, and utilizing locally available materials. Through community discussions, experiments, and active participation, the architects and residents co-created three prototype houses: Casa Toquilla L, Casa Toquilla M, and Casa Toquilla S. These designs are rooted in sustainable design principles and feature bamboo construction. The housing trilogy comprises prototypes designed to cater to different family sizes, economic capacities, and ease of execution. Casa Toquilla L, the largest at 80 sqm, is a single-floor residence accommodating up to eight people, designed with elderly users and ease of movement in mind. It includes two bedrooms and a common area. Its thermal performance is enhanced by a floor grid for cold air recirculation and pambil screens with mosquito nets. Casa Toquilla M, covering 70 sqm, is a two-story structure for eight members, featuring ample meeting spaces and built on a raised deck to ensure material durability. Casa Toquilla S, the smallest at 60 sqm, optimizes space with an open-plan layout and omits the first-floor balcony present in Casa Toquilla M. A key aspect of Casa Toquilla's uniqueness lies in the integration of technical details into the spatial development. The toquilla straw weave is incorporated directly into the residential architecture, and the roof profile and attic spaces create functional areas on the upper floors. Pambil screens, highly resistant to weather and humidity, enclose the elevations and form the facade. These elements also facilitate cross-ventilation, creating open and comfortable living spaces. The project also included practical training for the local community in bamboo construction and toquilla straw weaving, fostering local labor engagement and knowledge transfer. The houses were treated with various preservation and curing methodologies to assess their durability in a humid and saline coastal environment, with the goal of creating accessible and efficient construction techniques. The initiative has led to the replication of its methodology in three additional homes in the area, demonstrating its potential for wider application and impact. The project serves as an example of humanitarian architecture, showcasing how responsible design can help a displaced community reconnect with its cultural heritage and build a sustainable future. #VernacularArchitecture #Ecuador #RamaEstudio #SustainableDesign #BambooConstruction #ToquillaStraw #CommunityParticipation #PostEarthquakeReconstruction #ResidentialDesign

Quito, Ecuador's capital, is undergoing a significant transformation, marked by the relaxation of height restrictions for towers, the relocation of its airport, and the imminent opening of its metro system. These developments are ushering in a new era of urban densification, attracting global architects and fostering a vibrant local design scene. This guide offers a curated tour of Quito's revitalized cityscape, highlighting key architectural marvels, culinary hotspots, and unique accommodations. Among the architectural highlights is Iqon, the tallest building in Quito, designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG). This brutalist structure features a distinctive 'pineapple skin' facade, incorporating balconies designed for planting trees. BIG, in collaboration with local developer Uribe Schwarzkopf, is also developing Epiq, another urban forest project. These projects signify a commitment to integrating green spaces within urban high-rises. The Metro de Quito, an extensive 22.6km long tunnel system with 15 stations, represents the city's largest urbanism project. Completed ahead of schedule in 2019 but delayed in opening, the metro is set to significantly reduce the city's carbon footprint by 60,000 tons of CO2 annually, promising efficient and sustainable transportation for residents and visitors. Quito's culinary scene is also evolving, with establishments like Foresta offering sophisticated dining experiences. Chef Rodrigo Pacheco's restaurant sources much of its ingredients from his Bocavaldivia regenerative food forest. The indoor-outdoor space, designed by Estudio Felipe Escudero, features a striking glass roof that brings Ecuador's lush forest environment indoors. Roveta, a notable architectural coffee shop, provides an eco-conscious caffeine stop. Designed by Rama Estudio, it occupies a glass triangle at the base of the Alianza Tower, utilizing 100% recycled pine for its interiors and offering views of nearby midcentury architectural masterpieces. Unique living spaces contribute to Quito's modern appeal. Casa Parasito, a 12 sq m 'parasite' structure built on a shoestring budget on a grandmother's roof terrace, offers a clever contrast to the city's densification. This tiny home, now available on Airbnb, provides impressive views despite its compact size. Similarly, Qorner, designed by Moshe Safdie, offers micro-units for rent. One such unit, a 28 sq m studio named Doméstico, created by Juan Alberto Andrade and María José Váscones, features space-saving foldaway furniture, proving popular on Airbnb. The city also boasts significant cultural institutions, such as Fundación Guayasamín, the former home and studio of artist Oswaldo Guayasamín. This site, designed by the artist and completed by his nephew, Handel Guaysamín, houses Guayasamín's paintings and murals within his studio and the adjoining Capilla del Hombre, a monolithic chapel constructed from volcanic rocks. Culinary experiences also extend to Somos, a restaurant led by chef Alejandra Espinoza. Designed by Interni, it offers a superb tasting menu and features graffiti by Apitatan, celebrating Ecuador's bioregions and Indigenous wisdom. The establishment also includes a boutique selling local products. #QuitoArchitecture #UrbanDevelopment #SustainableDesign #TinyHomes #EcuadorTravel #DesignLedCityGuide #ContemporaryArchitecture #CulinaryExperience

Accessible or universal design often conjures images of institutional public spaces, a perception that can overshadow its potential for residential applications. However, at its core, accessibility is about creating environments that cater to the diverse needs of all individuals who inhabit or visit a space. When viewed from this perspective, universal design transforms into a solvable design challenge, capable of producing beautiful, creative, and uplifting homes. This article highlights nine distinct residences, encompassing both renovated properties and newly constructed homes, that exemplify and champion accessible design principles. One featured home is a 1952 midcentury ranch, transformed to be wheelchair-accessible after a motorcycle accident prompted Derek and LeAnne Lavender to seek suitable housing. Their experience underscored the prevalence of inaccessible design features in many homes, such as sunken living rooms and upstairs bedrooms, leading them to select a property with renovation potential. Another example is a family guesthouse designed by architect Neal Schwartz. This project aimed to accommodate an aging relative and a wheelchair user within a 775-square-foot limit imposed by local zoning. The solution involved a single-level structure connected to the main house via a breezeway, incorporating a sculptural roof opening for natural light and ventilation. Karen Braitmayer, an architect specializing in universal access and ADA compliance and a wheelchair user herself, revamped her 1954 Seattle home. Although its original single-level, open layout was beneficial, the family's evolving accessibility needs, particularly those of her daughter, also a wheelchair user, necessitated updates. The renovation integrated the main living area, dining space, and Braitmayer’s workspace, with interiors by Lucy Johnson and windows/doors from Lindal and Marvin, respectively. A family of five with two wheelchair-using daughters collaborated with Kuklinski + Rappe Architects in Chicago to design an accessible home with a long-term vision. Their focus on the family’s lifestyle and health over time led to a non-traditional layout centered around courtyards, including a shared courtyard accessible from the children's bedrooms. TJ Hill and Jay Heiserman opted to replace their cramped bungalow with an accessible and affordable prefab home from Connect Homes. Architects Jared Levy and Gordon Stott designed a 16-foot-wide house, utilizing the remaining space for a large deck, thereby creating a flexible and seamless first-floor plan that prioritized universal design and affordability. Ed Slattery sought to create a sustainable and accessible home that avoided a clinical feel after one of his sons became a wheelchair user due to an accident. The design incorporated universal features such as drop-down kitchen counters, a cooktop from Freedom Lift Systems, and smooth, barrier-free polished concrete floors, balanced with warm wood materials for a homely ambiance. Frank Lloyd Wright's Kenneth and Phyllis Laurent House, completed in 1952, stands as his only handicap-accessible building. Designed for Ken Laurent, who was paralyzed from the waist down, the Usonian home featured innovative accessible designs for its time, including flush thresholds and ground-level floors for easy indoor-outdoor transitions. Wright also designed much of the built-in furniture. In New York City, David Carmel, paralyzed from the waist down after a diving accident, worked with Della Valle Bernheimer to create an apartment that is both beautiful and accessible, featuring a lightweight sliding wall to separate the bedroom and living area. Finally, a loft-cum-farmhouse in Sebastopol, California, designed for a family from Manhattan, needed to be open, rustic, and accommodate a son who uses a power wheelchair. The home features wide, generously sized spaces, from the front door to an open central living area, facilitating ease of movement and communal living. #AccessibleDesign #UniversalDesign #HomeRenovation #WheelchairAccessible #InclusiveDesign #ModernHomes #Architecture #PrefabHomes #AgingInPlace

Nestron, a company founded in 2012 by Lawrence Xu, specializes in producing innovative, space-age prefab homes. These homes are designed to be ready for immediate occupancy upon delivery, similar to a car being ready to drive off a factory floor. The company emphasizes leveraging cutting-edge technology to transform the construction industry. Nestron offers eight steel-frame models that are equipped with furniture, appliances, and robust structures, eliminating the need for a traditional foundation. Once positioned on-site, these prefabs only require utility hook-ups, a process that typically takes a few hours. Nestron’s prefabs are designed to be highly durable, featuring one-piece galvanized steel frames capable of withstanding earthquakes, hurricanes, and high humidity, with an expected lifespan of over fifteen years without rusting. The company highlights its "completeness" as a key differentiating factor, aiming to incorporate all habitable features during production to minimize on-site construction. A notable project involved collaborating with a California client to create a tiny-house community for short-term rentals, utilizing nine of Nestron’s L2 models in both one- and two-bedroom configurations. The base models range in price from $40,000 to $90,000, with sizes varying from 260 to 390 square feet. Each model includes basic appliances and furnishings. While primarily advertised as one-bedroom homes, their layouts are flexible and can be adapted for use as offices or lounges. Nestron’s designs are pre-permitted in certain U.S. municipalities, complying with U.S. standards, CSA standards, and various building codes worldwide. For instance, a C2 unit received pre-approval for Anchorage, Alaska, under the IRC code, and the CSA certification process is ongoing. Currently, Nestron has fulfilled shipments to the U.K. and Canada, with plans to expand shipments to Texas, New York, California, and Canada’s Atlantic provinces by the end of 2024. The company maintains a primary focus on North America but is open to extending its dealership presence to other regions such as New Zealand, Australia, and Asia, driven by client demand. The client process, from deposit to delivery, typically takes between 120 to 180 days, involving planning, production (90-120 days), virtual inspection, and shipping (30-50 days). Nestron assists with logistics management, coordinating transport, crane use, and flatbed trucks for secure shipment. While local teams handle unloading and utility connections (sewage, water, electrical), Nestron also offers site design assistance. The company prioritizes business-to-business collaborations by providing comprehensive after-sales services, including support for permit applications, utility connections, and installation. Customization options are available for finishes, fixtures, appliances, layout configurations, and smart home features. Clients can choose from various design aesthetics, including minimalist, Scandinavian, futuristic, ranch/country, or contemporary. The units can also be purchased empty for those who prefer to outfit them independently. Additional features like a rooftop solar array, smart bathroom appliances, and electric underfloor heating are available for extra costs. The walls are insulated with spray foam (polyurethane) for temperature conservation, humidity protection, and soundproofing. Beyond the Cube models (Cube 1, Cube 2, Cube 2X), Nestron also offers the Legend series, with models ranging from under 250 to 390 square feet. #PrefabHomes #TinyHomes #ModularConstruction #SustainableLiving #AffordableHousing #SpaceAgeDesign #OffGridLiving #HousingInnovation

The increasing frequency of tsunamis and rising sea levels present a significant challenge to homeowners in coastal regions globally, raising concerns about the future viability of many seaside communities. In response to these environmental shifts, San Francisco-based Studio Peek Ancona has conceptualized and developed the 'Flood-Proof House.' This innovative dwelling offers a practical, cost-effective, and adaptable architectural solution aimed at safeguarding homes situated in areas susceptible to flooding. At its core, the 'Flood-Proof House' incorporates a prefabricated metal moment frame, which is structurally supported by a hybrid system of concrete and steel columns and foundations. This design significantly reduces the material and space required on the ground floor by 30%, while simultaneously providing robust resistance against high tides and floodwaters up to 12 feet. The primary structural system is engineered for ease of construction, transportation, and installation, allowing for its deployment in diverse geographical locations. This flexibility also enables the integration of local building materials, ensuring that each home can reflect a site-specific aesthetic and character. The design features a truss assembly that includes a cantilever, serving not only as the access point for the stairs but also as a foundational element for future expansion or combination with other units. Notably, this cantilevered section extends over an existing heritage beach house, offering a degree of preservation to the older structure. The ground floor of the 'Flood-Proof House' provides 600 square feet of versatile space, designed to be partitioned and utilized in various configurations to suit the needs of its occupants. Above this, the upper level encompasses 450 square feet of interior acclimatized living space, complemented by an additional 350 square feet of exterior decking. This outdoor area can seamlessly integrate with the interior program, effectively expanding the usable living space. The exterior of the home is clad with local western red cedar panels, forming a ventilated wall system. This system is crucial for providing essential ventilation, enhancing insulation, and acting as a rainscreen, thereby contributing to the home's durability and energy efficiency. Inside, the aesthetic is characterized by a subtly contrasting dark bamboo floor, equipped with radiant heating for comfort. Strategically placed overhangs are incorporated into the design to mitigate direct sunlight exposure during the summer months, contributing to a cooler indoor environment and reducing energy consumption. Overall, the 'Flood-Proof House' represents a thoughtful and resilient approach to residential architecture in the face of escalating environmental challenges, providing a secure and adaptable living solution for at-risk coastal communities. #FloodProofHouse #CoastalArchitecture #PrefabricatedDesign #ResilientHousing #SustainableDesign #StudioPeekAncona #ModularConstruction #ClimateChangeAdaptation

The article details a residential project by London-based studio Edgley Design, located on the small Caribbean island of Bequia. This house represents a significant departure from the studio's usual urban projects, focusing on adapting to a tropical climate and its unique challenges. The design incorporates influences from Moroccan courtyard houses, known for their cooling effects through internal courtyards, water pools, and strategic shading. The exterior walls are intentionally high, contributing to internal shade and privacy, giving the structure a castellated appearance that is further accentuated by its elevated position overlooking the bay and terraced landscapes. These external walls are rendered, and the floors are made of concrete, while simple horizontal balustrades on the facade are crafted from untreated Ipe wood, designed to weather naturally over time. The main living area of the house features a large hall with five-meter glass doors that open directly onto a pool terrace, creating a continuous indoor-outdoor space. The sleeping quarters are distributed across two sets of 'towers' that are angled off the central courtyard. Each tower houses a bedroom on its upper floor, accessible via a private staircase, with a separate living space located downstairs. This architectural arrangement cleverly delineates public and private zones within the residence, reinforcing the fortress-like aesthetic of the bedroom towers. Additionally, a small guest annexe is situated to the west of the main structure, offering a sheltered terrace with expansive views of the bay. Given the remote location and limited access to main services, particularly infrequent electricity, the house's design prioritizes minimalism and self-sufficiency. Cooling is primarily achieved through natural ventilation, with the layout engineered to channel winds through the house and utilizing glass-less windows. The structural integrity is also a critical aspect, with the concrete core specifically designed to withstand the frequent hurricane-force winds prevalent in the region. This project by Edgley Design showcases a thoughtful integration of traditional architectural principles with modern engineering to create a sustainable and resilient home in a challenging tropical environment. #ResidentialArchitecture #CaribbeanDesign #TropicalClimate #SustainableDesign #EdgleyDesign #BequiaIsland #CourtyardHouse #HurricaneResistant #NaturalVentilation

French design firm Cutwork has introduced PolyRoom, a 280-square-foot prefab module designed to address the increasing costs and shrinking spaces in residential living. The concept, which takes inspiration from the adaptive nature of a Japanese washitsu, allows for interiors to be reconfigured throughout the day to suit various activities like eating, sleeping, working, or socializing. Antonin Yuji Maeno, cofounder of Cutwork, highlights the contemporary challenge of designing habitats that maximize utility in smaller footprints, while also considering environmental impacts. The PolyRoom units are stackable, akin to LEGO bricks, enabling the construction of diverse residential structures, from multi-story urban blocks to low-rise rural townhomes, without requiring additional structural support. This modularity facilitates a 'grasshopper lifestyle,' allowing residents to seamlessly transition between urban and remote living environments. Cutwork has partnered with real estate developer Bouygues Immobilier, which plans to implement PolyRoom in up to 15 sites by 2025, providing 2,500 bedrooms. A significant co-living project is already underway in Bordeaux, where PolyRoom units will be integrated with shared living and working spaces. The decision to pursue prefab construction stems from its potential to reduce costs and build times, while simultaneously improving design quality. However, Maeno emphasizes the broader responsibility that comes with meeting housing demand, urging a reconsideration of urbanization to foster biodiversity and establish thriving multi-species habitats, even in dense urban areas. To this end, PolyRoom is designed with features like plantings on balconies, facades, and rooftops, including a built-in birdhouse. Despite its compact size, the PolyRoom unit is designed to feel spacious, featuring a large glazed window and modular furniture. A key innovation is the bed, which can be lifted into the ceiling via a counterweight system, freeing up the floor space for other activities such as lounging or socializing. Storage solutions are thoughtfully integrated, including concealed kitchen features like a hidden sink beneath a fold-down bench section, as well as built-in bookshelves and cubby holes. Cutwork intends to offer various finishes and fixtures to cater to different resident preferences. The units are being manufactured by Poland-based DMD Modular, a company specializing in prefab systems for hospitality and resorts. The exterior siding of PolyRoom features a shou sugi ban finish, a traditional Japanese method of charring wood for weather and pest resistance. A prototype of PolyRoom has been exhibited at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, drawing significant interest from real estate professionals, architects, designers, and the general public. This positive reception indicates a widespread recognition of PolyRoom's potential beyond initial expectations. Maeno and cofounder Kelsea Crawford believe in the transformative power of prefab construction to address modern living challenges and promote sustainable urbanization. The project aims to marry the imperative for urban development with ecological responsibility, creating homes that contribute positively to their environments. #PrefabricatedHomes #TinyHomes #ModularArchitecture #FlexibleLivingSpaces #CoLiving #SustainableDesign #UrbanPlanning #CutworkStudio #BouyguesImmobilier

Elmntl, a Colorado-based design and fabrication team, specializes in providing customizable modular cabins, saunas, and wellness products aimed at enhancing boutique hospitality experiences. The company, founded by Vlad Dubovskiy, integrates architectural design with user experience to offer a wide array of over 1000 configurable options, allowing clients to create unique and tailored structures. These modular builds are designed to adapt to specific needs, offering flexibility in the placement of windows, doors, and skylights. Clients can also choose from various exterior siding materials and interior color themes, and integrate additional elements such as roof decks, gear capsules, and fireplaces. A key aspect of Elmntl's design philosophy is to ensure that these structures harmonize seamlessly with their surrounding natural environments. Elmntl provides comprehensive turnkey services, covering every stage from initial master planning to the final construction and installation. This end-to-end approach aims to make high-quality, elevated architecture accessible for hospitality ventures, simplifying the development process for their clients. The company’s designs draw inspiration from the rugged and beautiful landscapes of Colorado, translating this aesthetic into their structures. A strong emphasis is placed on sustainability, with Elmntl utilizing biodegradable and repurposable materials in their construction processes. This commitment ensures that their buildings are not only durable and aesthetically pleasing but also eco-friendly, minimizing their environmental impact and enhancing the natural settings in which they are placed. The configurable nature of Elmntl's products extends to their diverse range of offerings, which includes not only cabins and saunas but also cold plunges and hot tubs, catering to a broad spectrum of wellness and accommodation needs. The company's integrated approach, combining both design and manufacturing in-house, is a significant factor in their ability to offer such a high degree of configurability. This allows for precise control over the production process and ensures that each element is carefully selected and crafted according to the customer's specific requirements. For clients seeking quick and cost-effective solutions, Elmntl also offers preset floor plans, streamlining the design and construction phases. Elmntl's primary goal is to support hospitality ventures by offering flexible, high-quality, and environmentally conscious architectural solutions. Their modular system is designed to overcome traditional construction challenges, making elevated design achievable and scalable. By allowing extensive user customization and offering comprehensive support services, Elmntl aims to deliver structures that are both functional and deeply integrated with the natural beauty of their locations, providing unique and memorable experiences for guests. #ModularDesign #PrefabricatedCabins #CustomizableArchitecture #BoutiqueHospitality #SustainableMaterials #WellnessStructures #ColoradoDesign #TurnkeyConstruction #EcoFriendlyBuildings