Double-opening between the ocean and the forest
Don Juan House is located near the top of a hill along the coast line. Oriented from east to west, the house opens on both sides: the front faces the ocean and the back looks out to a native deciduous forest. This double-opening allows cross-ventilation and imbeds the house and its inhabitants within their surroundings.
The concept of the double opening shaped the building’s architecture, which is conceived as two funnels that converge on one side.
The very simple plan in contained within 110m², with two levels of open-plan areas that connect through double-height ceilings. The living room, dining room, kitchen and a complete bathroom are distributed on the ground floor. Two bedrooms facing a double-height ceiling, oriented towards the ocean, occupy the second floor. On the rear façade another double-height window opens up to the back with a staircase.
The entire structure is made with local wood: Amarillo and Asta. Flat-fiber cement panels cover the shell of the house, while the inner façades are plastered and covered with bamboo. This material choice lends a feeling of warmth to the interior yet does not compromise on protecting the exterior of the house.
Project: Don Juan House / Location: Don Juan, Ecuador / Architect: Emilio López arquitecto / Gross floor area: 110m² / Completion: 2018 / Photograph: ©Jag Studio (courtesy of the architect)
