gabriel rivera arquitectos bridges a home and stables in ecuador

el picadero embraces the environment of the andes mountains

Nestled in the Andes Mountains, within the Cotopaxi province of Ecuador, El Picadero is a luminous living space by Gabriel Rivera Arquitectos. Sited amid a rural expanse dedicated to agriculture and livestock, El Picadero embraces its unique environment marked by the cold climate, sandy soil, and Andean vegetation, including the ubiquitous eucalyptus trees that adorn the 5,000 square meter rectangular plot. The architects sought to create a harmonious in-between space connecting the main house on the east side of the lot to the stables on the west side. This spatial composition includes a jumping arena for horses, a service area, and a versatile space poised for future transformation, initially designated as a play area and later envisioned as four suites and a common area.

all images courtesy of Gabriel Rivera Arquitectos

Gabriel Rivera Arquitectos bridges a home and stables

To address the client’s needs and integrate the structure with its surroundings, Gabriel Rivera Arquitectos initiated a comprehensive site analysis. Elements such as orientation, views of the Cotopaxi volcano and Los Ilinizas, natural surroundings, access roads, existing constructions, topography, soil composition, rainfall patterns, and other factors were analyzed to shape key decisions for the project’s development.

The jumping track, strategically located in the area with minimal vegetation, adopts a north-south orientation for optimal training efficiency. The architects also positioned the unified structure housing services and the versatile space adjacent to the riding arena to capitalize on the panoramic views and preserve the existing trees.

nestled in the Andes Mountains within an expanse of eucalyptus trees

Construction commenced in October 2022 and concluded a year later. The main structure, modulated and characterized by a steel framework, rests on reinforced concrete plinths, while the floor slab, equipped with a radiant heating system, transforms the space into a cozy shelter. The eucalyptus wood ceiling installed over a steel substructure employs waterproofing techniques and clay tiles to shield the interior.

The east-facing facade features local brick surfaces and laminated glass, providing a visual link to the jumping ring and framing views of the Cotopaxi volcano. On the west facade, laminated glass and a wooden brise-soleil work in tandem to retain warmth, allowing the afternoon sun to filter in, with the Ilinizas Mountains commanding the view.

an in-between space connecting the main house on the east side to the stables on the west

the spatial composition includes a jumping arena for horses, a service area, and an adaptable space

natural light and views of nature infiltrate the living space

an interplay of brick and woodwork

the structure was strategically sited to preserve the existing trees

space transformation

site analysis

project info:

name: El Picadero
architecture: Gabriel Rivera Arquitectos

location: Cotopaxi, Ecuador

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom