Arquitectura X - Casa 3 in Quito, Ecuador

The house is located on a valley to the east of Quito, within an area that enjoys a temperate climate all year round. It is quite a privileged setting due to the proximity of the local mountain ranges. Unfortunately, the surrounding built context consists mainly of colonial style houses with a total disregard for the local topography, landscape or climate. The site is relatively small, enclosed by three roads. Two primary decisions were made; to place the house on the highest fringe of the site next to the only neighbouring lot, and to consolidate and level the ground with retaining walls that act as a plinth, a typical architectural practice in Quito, which allows the site to be raised over the busiest roads and the immediate buildings.