emilio lópez uses local wood to create double height spaces for house in ecuador

emilio lópez arquitecto has designed a family home located near the top of a hill along the coastline of don juan in ecuador. oriented from east to west, the building opens at both sides: in the front facing the ocean and in the back to a native deciduous forest. the concept of the double-opening shapes the architecture, which is conceived as two funnels that converge at one side.

the back of the house facing a native deciduous forest

all images © JAG studio

the scheme is 110m2 overall and is created by the architect to contain the very simple plan, with two levels of open areas that connect through double-height ceilings. the living room, dining room, kitchen and a complete bathroom are distributed on the ground floor. two bedrooms facing a double-height ceiling oriented to the ocean occupy the second floor. in the rear façade another double-height window opens up to the back with the staircase. the double-opening allows cross ventilation and embeds the house and its inhabitants within the surroundings.

oriented from east to west, the house opens at both sides: in the front facing the ocean and in the back to the forest

the entire structure is made with local wood: amarillo and asta. flat-fiber cement panels cover the shell of the house, while the inner façades are plastered and covered with bamboo, permitting a feel of warm materials within the inside yet not compromising the protection of the exterior of the house. in essence, the emilio lópez has articulated a form that benefits from the views of the natural environment, while also not overbearing the surroundings.

the double-opening allows cross ventilation and embeds the house and its inhabitants within the surroundings

on the rear façade, another double-height window opens up to the back with the staircase

the side facade of the house

view from the living room: the village of don juan and the sea.

the very simple plan, with two levels of open areas that connect through double-height ceilings

the entire structure is made with local wood: amarillo and asta

living room open to the exterior

the front of the house facing the sunset

project info:

project name: ‘don juan house’

architect: emilio lópez arquitecto

location: don juan, ecuador

images: JAG studio

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom