A House In Ecuador That Climbs the Land Instead of Changing It - Yanko Design

"A sequence of wooden ribs lines the exterior, spaced evenly and forming the main structural system. These ribs act as both frame and shelter, supporting the upper floor while creating deep overhangs that protect the interior from strong sun and rain. On one side, they rest on a brick base that follows the slope and disappears where the lower level fits beneath."

"Before you even step inside, a ramp guides you along the edge of the house. This path lets you move around the building while staying connected to the landscape. One end of the site opens toward a ravine, the other toward a road, and the circulation route allows you to understand both conditions before entering."

"The main living spaces are located on the upper level. Once you arrive there, the reason becomes obvious. From this elevation, views extend across open meadows and toward nearby volcanoes. The living room, dining area, and kitchen are organized as one continuous space, so the horizon remains visible from almost anywhere."

La Miradora is a residential project in Ecuador's central highlands designed by Taller General that prioritizes working with natural topography rather than against it. The house features a distinctive structural system of evenly-spaced wooden ribs that serve dual purposes: supporting the upper floor and creating deep overhangs for weather protection. These ribs vary in length to match terrain changes and transition to metal where weather exposure is greatest. A ramp guides visitors around the building's perimeter, maintaining connection to the landscape. The main living spaces occupy the upper level to maximize views across meadows toward volcanoes. The open-plan living, dining, and kitchen areas form one continuous space, allowing horizon visibility throughout. The design emerged through direct collaboration with specialized craftspeople in wood, metal, ceramics, and fabric.

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