emilio lópez's casa quinchuyaku, a passive solar house in ecuador

Emilio López completes casa quinchuyaku in Ilaló, ecuador

Architect Emilio López‘s Casa Quinchuyaku is a sustainable, solar-powered residence situated on the eastern slopes of Ilaló, an extinct volcano near Quito in Ecuador. This habitat, located at an altitude of 2,600 meters, is part of a larger initiative to replace the existing eucalyptus forest with native flora and fauna. Taking this into context, Emilio integrates the passive house with the volcanic landscape by featuring a double-opening envelope that facilitates cross-ventilation and connects the structure with the surrounding forest. Construction-wise, Casa Quinchuyaku features 50% recycled material; this includes the furniture, structural elements, as well as windows and doors salvaged from an old Quito house. Local construction workers and friends of Emilio were actively involved in the process, creating a collaborative atmosphere that allowed for on-the-fly decisions.

image © Andres V. Fotografia, courtesy Emilio López

a solar-powered house with eco-waste management

Water and energy conservation are also vital elements of Casa Quinchuyaku by Emilio López (see more here). The house collects and stores water from existing decks, while the roof facilitates water collection and houses energy storage batteries for solar panels, which provide 100% of the electrical energy needed. In response to the intense erosion process affecting the slopes of Ilaló, the project focuses on soil regeneration, using gray water from bathrooms and kitchens for tree irrigation and implementing terraces and rainwater infiltration ditches to improve soil conditions. Furthermore, Casa Quinchuyaku incorporates sustainable waste management practices, including a dry bath system that converts human waste into compost for plants and trees, as well as composters for organic kitchen waste. This project serves as a harmonious blend of architecture, landscape, and sustainability, showcasing a holistic approach to environmentally responsible living.