a green organic roof tops estudio felipe escudero's 'house folds' in ecuador

designed for a remote site in the valley of nayón, ecuador, estudio felipe escudero has conceived ‘house folds’ to combine the solidity of concrete with a curved, organic form. planned for an older client, the project proposes a low, single-story residence topped with an expansive green roof that intends to make the architecture blend into its lush surroundings. 

side view of house folds

all images courtesy of estudio felipe escudero

designed over one generous floor plane, the plan is organized by the architect according to the levels of privacy required of the spaces. at one end is a huge living, dining and kitchen area that opens out to the site thanks to large floor-to-ceiling expanses of glazing. towards the opposite end, the concrete roof folds over to provide a greater degree of privacy for the service spaces and bedrooms. 

main entrance

the project is volumetrically composed of an organic roof, which is covered with plants through a system of pots that are separate from the concrete slab so as not to generate moisture. the entire building is surrounded by glass on its perimeter, maintaining a connection with the outside and visually highlighting the curved gesture of the roof.

front view

in the interior, the material palette is defined by a combination of concrete and timber to give warmth, and a cozy feeling despite the large spaces. viewed from above, the house appears as a rectangle, a rational geometry that contrasts with the rest of the landscape, and the outdoor pool whose natural lines merge with the environment giving the impression of a lake and not an artificial pool. proving the project’s sustainable credentials, the water is also heated by solar panels located on the roof.

aerial view

project info:

project name: house folds

location: nayón, quito, ecuador

architect: estudio felipe escudero

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