freddy bonilla estudio completes casa cóndor in ecuador

casa cóndor by freddy bonilla estudio features recycled and traditional materials found on site

casa cóndor is a family house nested in one of the valleys of loja, ecuador. sitting on a 2,000 sqm plot of land, the residence was designed and built by freddy bonilla estudio with the help of a local workforce that had a firm grasp of vernacular architecture. that said, and wanting to revive ecuadorian traditions, the architects composed the structure out of mud, wood, adobe masonry, bamboo, reed, brick, and tile — most of which originate from a disused house on-site that the team took apart block by block.

all images © nicolás provoste

portals, terraces, and simple interior layouts

essentially, casa cóndor is defined by its many portals and terraces, since being outdoors and enjoying the views are fundamental to the owners’ day-to-day program. interiors wise, freddy bonilla estudio’s team outlined the ground floor with c-shaped walls that separate the social area, made up of a double-height living room and kitchen, from the intimate zone where two bedrooms can merge into one thanks to sliding doors. the first floor, meanwhile, hosts a suite, laundry room, and terrace that offers a view onto the surroundings and living room.

casa cóndor features recycled adobe, tile, and wood

a self-sufficient home made from mud, adobe, wood, + bamboo

structurally, the masonry combines bamboo, soil, and reed (a wetland plant) — all found and harvested on-site by a local master builder. additionally, the recycled tile roof on the ground floor is supported by a wooden foundation formed mainly by two large trusses that sit on the walls and posts, protecting the portals and creating a double-height ceiling in the living room and master bedroom.

portals and terraces dominate the architectural design

moving to the upper floor, two inverted and funnel-shaped water tanks protect the suite and collect rainwater that feeds a pond where domestic animals can drink. the suite’s particular character and wing-like roof also provide room for a skylight that lets in natural light and expands spatial breathability. emphasizing the self-sufficient character of the house, bathroom facilities are connected to a biodigester that processes wastewater to irrigate crops.

exterior gallery with the baked clay tiles that dominate the floors

reflecting on the experience of completing casa cóndor, freddy bonilla estudio states:’[it is] a project that has excited us and given us the certainty that the vernacular knowledge of the land is and continues to be effective and powerful, the challenge is to continue transmitting it, improving it and applying it to demonstrate its perpetuity.’

wooden structure complemented by reinforced concrete