The Emilio Lopez Arquitecto agency has created a warm and unique house on the hillside along the coast of Don Juan in Ecuador.

Going from east to west, the house is open on two sides, facing the ocean in front and looking out over a hardwood forest in the back. This double-opening architectural feature is the very essence of the project. The house was designed like two funnels, converging on one another.

With a total area of 110 m2, the architect’s mission was to work according a very simple plan based on what the family wanted. On the ground floor there is the living room, dining room, kitchen and bathroom, while on the first floor there are two bedrooms facing the ocean. The two floors are open, connected to each other by a high ceiling. The double exposure of the house allows efficient cross ventilation.

The entire structure is made of local wood. Flat cement fiber boards cover the outside of the house, while the interior walls are plastered and covered with bamboo, providing effective insulation while using warm, authentic materials. Emilio Lopez wanted to create a house whose shape would allow its inhabitants to enjoy the views while integrating perfectly into the surrounding environment.