Villa in Quito
- Equador -
This 4-bedroom villa was designed for a narrow plot on the outskirts of Quito, closely flanked by neighbouring houses. Therefore, for the sake of privacy the windows were carefully arranged so as not to overlook the adjoining properties.
The principle of symmetry and of proportional harmony is strictly applied both to the plan and to the elevations, resulting in a sense of order and instilling a feeling of repose reminiscent of Palladian villas.
A deep shaded ground floor loggia and first floor terrace extend the living spaces to the outside while offering protection from the intense equatorial sun.
Different functions within the open plan of the ground floor are defined by the articulation of space in section. In particular, the main living space extends to the full height of the building, the ceiling being formed by a barrel vault which runs from the front to the back elevation. Large arched clerestory windows are punched at high level in the end walls to give a special quality of reflected light to the floor below. A visual and spatial connection is made between the ground and first floor by means of the minstrel gallery on the landing at the top of the stairs.
The design was handed over to an Ecuadorian architect for detailing and construction.
