a permeable brick envelope clads natura futura’s mixed-use building in ecuador

in the city of montalvo, within ecuador‘s los rios province, natura futura arquitectura has completed a new multi-program building that comprises both retail and residential space. the project – dubbed the provider – challenged the design team to organize the various functions across six storys, which is the maximum permitted development in montalvo. surrounded by low density houses, the recent intervention employs clever strategies to resolve the contrasting scale, such as deep recesses, outdoor terraces, increased permeability and a wide arcade. 

all images © JAG studio

when designing the new building natura futura arquitectura sought to create a sustainable development that would contribute towards a more compact city. with this in mind, the provider reflects and sets strategies of compactness and diversification, all the while highlighting local techniques. by considering the context, the design provides a multi-program that responds sensitively using artisan materials, sustainable urban scales and dynamic ways of living. 

the proposal is based on renewing the client’s hardware supplies business and living, leisure and rental spaces. the project is configured using a rectangular prism as the basic geometry, in a lot of 12×20 meters that is located next to the local street market. the volume is set back on the ground floor in order to generate a traditional arcade, which enables social interaction, while the middle floors follow the front urban profile of the pre-existing buildings. above the commercial story are storage areas, a residential space, an event hall, leisure rooms, terraces and a viewpoint out to the surrounding mountains.

the balconies and terraces are developed on the 3rd and 4th floor, unified by a double permeable envelope, which is formed by vegetation, windows and local handmade exposed bricks; providing sieved lighting and natural ventilation. this ventilation is complemented by the ‘lungs’ of the project; a triple height skylight and air vents of 4 meters by 4 meters, which connects the main social area to nature.

project info:

project name: the provider

location: montalvo, los rios, ecuador

architect: natura futura arquitectura

area: 10,333 ft2 (960 m2)

year: 2020

photography: 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.