PJCArchitecture has completed this modern family house nestled in the picturesque valley of Quito, Ecuador that embraces its natural surroundings, dissolving boundaries between indoors and out. Designed by Make Estudio Division, a design-build division of New York City-based PJCArchitecture, in collaboration with Juan Pablo Ribadeneira Mora, the 3,800 square foot (350 square meters) home comprises four bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms for a young couple and their two daughters.

Configured to maximize connectivity between interior and exterior entertaining spaces, the home is a celebration of time spent among family and friends. The home’s structural design is informed first and foremost by its location. The home is oriented to the west, maximizing views of the stunning mountain vistas and harnessing the warmth of the afternoon sun.

DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECTURE PJCArchitecture/Make Estudio CONTRACTOR CVD Arquitectura INTERIOR DESIGN PJCA & Magenta Arquitectura Interior

The home’s brick materiality absorbs heat and radiates it throughout the space during the evenings, while white stucco on the upper floor helps reflect and mediate the intense sunlight.

Managing the harsh equatorial sunlight proved a challenge for the design team, who incorporated a tall vertical wooden screen on the exterior porch which serves a dual purpose—simultaneously shielding the interiors from excess sun while preserving natural light.

The home’s distinct composition comprises two towering volumes linked by a compact, open entrance section that serves as an axis delineating the public and private spheres of the interior.

The space is a concealed gem that fosters a professional ambiance distinct from that of the home environment, without obstructing or disrupting the visual harmony of the house. Skillfully executed alongside contractor CVD Arquitectura, Cumbaya House is a celebration of the family home and its place in nature.

Upon entering, a breathtaking panorama of the rear garden and surrounding mountains comes into sight. Looking to the left, an expansive, double-height living and dining area comes into view, connecting via sliding glass doors to an elevated exterior porch with a custom fireplace and barbeque area.

Rounding out the first floor is a family room, powder room, and mudroom connecting to the front garage. A minimalist marble travertine staircase leads to the second floor, where a family TV room provides an alternate space for relaxation.

Designed for relaxation and entertaining, the outdoor living room then connects back to the kitchen through another set of glass doors. To the right of the entrance, a cubic structure encases a portion of the kitchen, clad in warm wood paneling, as well as a pantry and discrete door leading to a full bedroom and bathroom. Further into the kitchen is a cozy banquette overlooking the back garden.

What We Love: This modern family house in Ecuador manages to be rigorous and yet relaxed at the same time. Despite its modern design, the living spaces manage to feel warm and welcoming. We love the mix of stucco and brick on the exterior facade and how the brick has been repeated on the interior. Our favorite design feature in the subterranean home office is a quiet space away from the main living area that is surrounded by nature, a great way to feel inspired and retain your focus.

Tell Us: What details do you find most appealing in the design of this home? Let us know in the Comments below!

Note: Have a look at some other incredible home tours highlighted here on One Kindesign in Ecuador: Striking modern dwelling in Ecuador: NR2 House and Casa 2V in Ecuador displays unique volumetric structure.

Above: An expansive, double-height living and dining area connects via sliding glass doors to an elevated exterior porch with a custom fireplace and barbeque area.

Two bedrooms on the second floor include ensuite bathrooms and views to the north and south. The primary bedroom suite is distinguished by its double-height ceiling that opens views of the surrounding scenery.

Above: The primary bedroom suite is distinguished by its double-height ceiling that opens views to the surrounding scenery.

A walk-in closet connects to the primary bathroom featuring a floating tub, steam shower, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

In addition to space for relaxing, entertaining, and communing with nature, the family sought a secluded home office space that didn’t feel like a traditional office. Leveraging the natural slope of the site’s terrain, the team designed a brick staircase that gracefully leads to a subterranean home office.

The strategic balance between public and private spaces and the seamless flow between indoors and out fosters a harmonious environment amidst the region’s majestic mountain vistas.

PHOTOGRAPHER Lorena Darquea

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