The original house, located in the rural area of Perucho, 35 km from Quito, was a simple structure built with concrete blocks and initially served as a warehouse. Over time, the location began to be inhabited, receiving various improvised repairs, which necessitated a complete rehabilitation to revitalize and enhance the space.
The central problems of the building included a lack of natural light and poor visual connection to the surroundings, both near and far. The interior was characterized by being cold and having damp walls. Additionally, the original roof was in precarious condition, risking collapse due to its overloaded structure and broken clay tiles.
Faced with these challenges and with a limited budget, the decision was made to utilize the existing infrastructure, promoting the recycling of spaces. The project was conceived as a house-studio, prioritizing accessible and functional architecture.
The architectural project focused on reimagining the roof as an opportunity for improvement. A lighter covering was implemented, using metal sheeting, a round eucalyptus structure (chosen for being economical and easily accessible), and thermal insulation made with coconut fiber, and acoustic insulation with egg cartons and woven bamboo to cover large surfaces quickly.
With the change in the roof, there was enough height gain to accommodate two new resting areas under the roof, named 'two nests,' utilizing pre-existing beams. The house, previously a closed space, began to connect with the neighboring tree (the native Cholán species), the fields, and the distant mountains through the opening of two glazed facades. This elevation of the roof, without altering the original walls, allowed for daylight entry and air circulation.
At the base of the construction, drainage solutions were created, simulating the use of rubber boots to combat moisture. A greywater treatment station was also installed, and the existing block walls received structural reinforcements to consolidate the system.
Maintaining the original configuration of the house, the project sought to dialogue with what already existed and integrate available resources. On the ground floor, one wall was removed, unifying the entire environment to form a spacious common area. This space maintains a distinction of dynamics, defined by the functions occurring on the upper floor.
During the dismantling of the old roof, wooden beams and planks were reused to build a subfloor and level the kitchen and living room, which are now integrated with the garden. Furthermore, the studio was positioned next to the entrance and also adjacent to the bathroom. The modification of the spatial volume resulted in a significant enrichment of the residents' experience.
In summary, it is a craft construction that aims to solve needs efficiently and economically, employing quick-installation materials that simultaneously offer comfort to its occupants. It is a house-studio that realizes aspirations and reformulates new challenges in terms of its spatial organization and potential.
