Ecuador-based architectural studio Taller General has completed La Miradora, a striking residential project nestled in the rural highlands of Machachi, Ecuador. The innovative house sits at an impressive elevation of 3,403 meters above sea level within the unique Páramo ecosystem, a tropical wetland environment characteristic of the Andes mountains. Positioned strategically at the highest point of its elongated plot, the dwelling commands breathtaking views of a steep ravine while being dramatically framed by expansive meadows and towering volcanoes on the distant horizon.
The architectural design thoughtfully responds to the land's natural slope, creating a two-level structure that maximizes both views and functionality. The upper floor serves as the primary living area for a couple, featuring spacious rooms with panoramic windows that capture light and air from multiple directions. The lower level, deliberately smaller due to the challenging terrain, provides comfortable accommodations for visiting family members along with essential service areas. A specially designed loft on the upper floor faces both north and south, creating perfectly framed views of the nearest volcanic peaks.
Taller General's layout philosophy centers on encouraging social gathering while preserving privacy for the residents. Daily life unfolds primarily on the upper floor, where expansive windows flood the space with natural light throughout the day. When guests arrive, the lower floor seamlessly extends the living arrangement without disrupting the compact presence of the main house above the slope. The architects have carefully integrated outdoor circulation into the overall design, featuring a covered ramp that runs along one side of the structure. This ramp ensures direct exterior access to the main level while providing a sheltered pathway that creates a thoughtful transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Environmental sustainability stands as a cornerstone of La Miradora's design philosophy. Solar panels provide clean electricity for the entire house, while an innovative water treatment system handles both gray and black water through multiple stages. The comprehensive treatment process includes grease traps, a biodigester, and a constructed wetland before the treated water reaches a small lagoon and naturally reenters the ground. This closed-loop system reflects the Páramo's crucial role as a vital water source for the region, ensuring the house's operations align harmoniously with its fragile ecosystem.
The construction approach minimizes environmental impact by eliminating unnecessary coatings and plasters, leaving materials in their natural exposed state. This strategy not only reduces construction waste but also makes each material's structural role clearly visible while reducing unnecessary layers. The approach demanded precise detailing and close collaboration with skilled local craftsmen specializing in wood, metal, ceramics, and textiles. Their expertise extends to creating integrated lighting fixtures, custom furniture, and architectural partitions that reinforce the project's distinctive material expression.
The house's structural system features an impressive array of ten wooden ribs positioned at regular 2.44-meter intervals. Each rib consists of four inclined elements that converge upward, creating protective eaves while supporting the upper level's weight. On the north side, these ribs rest securely on a brick base that follows their natural slope, while on the south side, they extend into durable metal members designed to withstand intense sun exposure and heavy rainfall while adapting to the land's natural gradient.
This repetitive structural system demonstrates remarkable adaptability to various spatial needs, shifting its rhythm to support the viewing loft and create wider openings for enhanced views. The thoughtful interplay of wood, brick, and metal expresses a careful balance between shelter and exposure, combining durability with architectural lightness. The generous roofline and extended eaves provide essential protection for the timber elements while filtering natural sunlight into the interior spaces, creating comfortable living conditions year-round in this challenging high-altitude environment.
