A House With Two Pavilions For Two Generations

The idea of a large house which can be shared by two or more generations such as parents and children or grandparents is not a new concept but is however intriguing no matter what the context is. In that sense, we’re ready to have a closer look at such a residence today. We’ve chosen the Ortega House which is located in Sangolqui, in Ecuador. It’s a house designed and built by Estudio A0 in 2017.

This is a residence with two pavilions, designed to accommodate two generations of people
This is a residence with two pavilions, designed to accommodate two generations of people
The building has a V-shaped section and a second volume which forms an inverted V. They share the middle line
The building has a V-shaped section and a second volume which forms an inverted V. They share the middle line

There are a lot of interesting aspects related to this project, starting with the shape of the residence. In order to incorporate two separate wings which can serve as independent spaces but which are also closely connected to one another, the architects came up with a plan for a volume shaped like a V and another that looks like an inverted V. The two share the middle section.

The V-shaped structures form two gardens/ courtyards, one for each wing, each facing a different landscape
The V-shaped structures form two gardens/ courtyards, one for each wing, each facing a different landscape
Both wings have open interior spaces with large windows and glazed facades overlooking the gardens
Both wings have open interior spaces with large windows and glazed facades overlooking the gardens
Both sections of the house enjoy a certain level of autonomy while remaining connected to their sister volume
Both sections of the house enjoy a certain level of autonomy while remaining connected to their sister volume

In total, the residence offers 507 square meters of living space. The spaces are organized into two pavilions which are both independent and interdependent. One of them is used by the parents and the other by their children and his family. It’s a nice way of keeping the family together while also establishing some boundaries and maintaining a comfortable level of privacy for everyone involved.

The interior spaces are organized on two levels, both with full height windows and large openings
The interior spaces are organized on two levels, both with full height windows and large openings
There's a lot of glass used throughout the residence in combination with steel and bricks
There’s a lot of glass used throughout the residence in combination with steel and bricks
The building has a stainless steel structure with baked bricks used for the exterior walls along with glass
The building has a stainless steel structure with baked bricks used for the exterior walls along with glass

The residence features a steel structure which imprints a strong industrial identity onto the house. The structure is complemented by exterior walls made of bricks which in turns give the house a rustic look. These two styles coexist throughout the house in various different forms. The two materials mentioned just now are joined by a third one which is glass and which is used extensively throughout the spaces.

The overall architecture and design of the house are a combination of industrial and rustic elements
The overall architecture and design of the house are a combination of industrial and rustic elements
The internal spaces extend outside onto wooden decks and patios which outline the unusual shape of the building
The internal spaces extend outside onto wooden decks and patios which outline the unusual shape of the building

The glazed facades and the exposed brick walls balance out the indoor-outdoor connection established throughout the house. The unusual shape of the building allowed for two gardens/ internal courtyards to be created, one for each pavilion. These green areas are overlooked by the interior spaces and provide calm and fresh views while also serving as venues for outdoor dinners and lounging in general.

Certain exterior walls seem to distance themselves from the roof, allowing room for skylights
Certain exterior walls seem to distance themselves from the roof, allowing room for skylights
The two wings shape a common social area with a double-height living room, a kitchen and a dining area
The two wings shape a common social area with a double-height living room, a kitchen and a dining area

The two pavilion share a social area which is situated where the two wings meet. This area contains the kitchen, the dining area and a common living room. The rest of the residence accommodates the private spaces such as the bedrooms, bathrooms and independent living rooms.

The brick walls act as a sort of fixed shutters, forming a shell around the glass facade on this side of the house
The brick walls act as a sort of fixed shutters, forming a shell around the glass facade on this side of the house