the ‘cave of the tiny beast’ addresses a growing lack of dwelling space in quito, ecuador

ecuador-based studio la cabina de la curiosidad explores a new accessible and necessary architecture with its ‘cave of the tiny beast.’ the residential project is born of the team’s note that contemporary cities are filled with so many wasted and underused spaces that little by little they are being forgotten. as urban beings, the design team believes that cities are not outdated or lost when it comes to architectural work — they are rather large spaces full of potential that must be rearranged in order to promote the well-being of every individual. the ‘cave of the tiny beast’ ratifies the idea that architecture is and should be accessible to all. with enough consideration and the right intentions, all spaces can be transformed, whether that is a small warehouse, or an abandoned building or room.

la cabina de la curiosidad develops its ‘cave of the tiny beast’ for people who suffer from a lack of space, and are incapable of seeking a larger dwelling. the habitat is contemplated from the basic and elemental functions as the main excuse to create wellness. through simple technology, spaces and resources are being developed and heightened. to take part and build is to have a unique opportunity to create a sense of belonging and appropriation of spaces, turning an individual from a distant resident into an inhabitant of their own space. thinking about your own space is like a new beginning, it is a great opportunity to rethink and transform your life.

the cave of the tiny beast is designed by la cabina de la curiosidad to occupy the space of a small apartment in quito, ecuador. the compact space is transformed to become a comfortable home in a residential neighborhood for a couple and their dog. the design was developed very quickly, as all the project information was generated along eight meters of rolled sketch paper. the architectural intervention is expressed as a hole that connects two spaces through a double height multi-functional furniture — stair, kitchen, cupboard, desk, table. a large room divider extends upward to introduce a space for the projection of films. the location of the hole allows an optimal distribution of space, from the staircase, minimal extensions were made as spatial assemblies, in that way it concentrated the uses.

project info:

project title: cave of the tiny beast

architecture: la cabina de la curiosidad

location: domingo de brieva, rumipamba, quito, ecuador

design team: marie combette, daniel moreno flores, pablo betancourt

collaborators: paulina flores burbano

engineering: patricio cevallos salas

construction: miguel ramos, josé monrroy

clients: andrés aulestia

completion: 2019

photography: marie combette, JAG studio